I F 159 

-K9 E7 
Copy 1 



t 



i\ 




1776. A CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL. 1876. 




HISTORICAL SKETCH 





lerhs §ount%; §enn'x. 



PREPARED BY 



JOHN S ERMENTROUT, A. M., 

PR.OFESSOB IN KEYSTONE NORMAL SCHOOL. 



3 




KUTZTOWN, PA. : 

UBICK & aEHRING'S STEAM JOB PRINT 

1876. 





^KEYSTONE STATE NORMAL SCHOOL.^- 



1776. 1876 

A &&M i WE£PM&AXi 1 $£®mQ)mEA&e 



-EiIS^UC31E^/ICJ'_A__L_j S_E^iU'_L , C'IEi 



OF — 



5 



I1W 



0% 



Herku §onntu, §tnn'a, 



PREPARED BY 



JOHN S EKMENTKOUT, A. M. 

PROFESSOR IN KEYSTONE NORMAL SCHOOL. 



L*jA^=="i ' 



KUTZTOWN, PA. : 

HRI(!K & GEHRING'S STEAM JOB PRINT. 

1876. 



*£«\ 



AN INTRODUCTORY WORD 



Ln obedience to the wishes of the " Kutztown Centennial Associa- 
tion," for the celebration of July 4, 1876, this sketch was prepared by 
the Chairman of the Historical Committee. For some of the most 
important facts in it, he is indebted to J. Daniel Rupp's " Collection 
of Thirty Thousand Names, &c," and "History of Berks ami 
Lebanon Counties ; " and to Dr. Harbaugh's "Fathers of the Reformed 
Church." In his efforts to gather in one the traditions of this 
section of Berks, and in his examination of local archives and docu- 
ments he was greatly assisted by John Humbert, Esq., whose 
knowledge of the past, and discriminating judgment, were invaluable 
aids. He is also under special obligations to S. A. Baer, Superinten- 
dent of Common Schools of Berks County, the Hon. H. H. Schwartz, 
James Marx, Esq., Fayette Schoedler, the Rev. J. S. Herman, Reuben 
Bast, Jonas Hoch, Conrad Gehring, A. J. Fogel, Jno. G. Wink, Jno. 
Kemp, Esq., Jon. Biehl, and others. 

The critic who may discern in this sketch faults in style and errors 
in fact, will bear in mind that the time allotted for its preparation 
was quite too limited for a more thorough and extensive investigation 
of the subject. 

It is hardly necessary to add that, as far as possible, persons and 
things in this sketch are called by the names under which they are 
generally known. J. S. E. 

Kkvstone Normal School, July 3; 1876. 



/0 



I. GKEIETIEaE&jkXj ZHZISTOIE^ir. 



I.— FROM EARLIEST PERIOD TO 1779. 

Whilst the Indians were still undisputed owners of the soil of 
Pennsylvania, there took place in Europe a series of events that in- 
duced many of its inhabitants to leave their native countries, and 
seek a new home in the virgin forests of America. In 1598,Henry IV. , 
King of France, obeying the dictates of a sound judgment and the 
advice of his ministers, issued the Edict of Nantes, which secured 
religious freedom to the Huguenots. In 1685, Louis XIV., King of 
France, yielding to the dictates of a disordered judgment and the 
advice of his ministers, revoked this Edict, and thus occasioned the 
persecution of many of his most industrious subjects. In 1688 a 
French army of 100,000 men invaded the Palatinate, and, in 1693, 
Heidelberg became a heap of blackened ruins. In other parts of 
Europe also there reigned a spirit of political and religious persecu- 
tion. The Kings of the earth had not yet learned that it belonged 
not to their office to meddle in religious things, that conscience could 
not be forced, and that persecution was incompatible with the doc- 
trines of Christianity. 

Meanwhile, in England took place another and different series of 
events that ended in the preparation of an asylum for the oppressed 
of every clime and creed. From Charles II., March 4, 1681, as pay- 
ment for 16,000 pounds due his father, William Penn, a member of the 
Society of Friends, had granted him letters patent for a tract of land 
in America, "lying north of Maryland, on the east,bounded by Dela- 
ware river ; on the west, limited as Maryland; and northward, to ex- 
tend as far as plantable." William, while yet a young inan,hadjoin- 
ed the Friends, and brought down upon himself the wrath of the Es- 
tablished Church in England. His own experience had thus taught 
him the bitterness of persecution, and prepared him to announce, as 
the great principle of his conduct in the New World "freedom in 
matters of religion to all who acknowledged a belief in Almighty 
God." As Lord Baltimore in Maryland, and Roger Williams in Rhode 
Island, so did Perm proclaim religious liberty in Pennsylvania. 



4 HISTORY OF 

Now began the great movement to America from France, Germany, 
and Switzerland. 

From 1682—1776 Penn's colony formed the central point of emigra- 
tion. Before 1702, however, there arrived not more than two hun- 
dred families. These settled in German town. Among the earliest 
were Henry Fry, who came over in 1680, two years before William 
Penn himself, and Francis Daniel Pastorius and family, together 
with ten Germans and one English woman. From all accounts we 
must believe that this Pastorius was a thoroughly learned man. In 
1688 he wrote in Latin an "Address to Posterity." Our American 
poet, Whittier, has-given us an English translation in the following 
language : — 

"Hail to posterity ! 
Hail, future men of Germanopolis ! 

Let the young generations yet to be 
Look kindly upon this. 
Think how your fathers left their native land- 
Dear German — land ! O, sacred hearths and homes ! 
And where the wild beast roams, 

In patience planned 
New forest homes beyond the mighty sea. 

The undisturbed and free 
To live as brothers of one family. 
What pains and cares befell, 
What trials and what fears, 
Remember, and wherein we have done well 
Follow our footsteps, men of coming years ! 
Where we have failed to do 
. Aright, or wisely live, 
Be warned by us, the better way pursue, 
And, knowing we were human, even as you, 
Pity us and forgive ! 
Farewell, Posterity ! 
Farewell, dear Germany I 
Forevermore farewell !" 
From 1702—1727 was the great epoch of German emigration. Dur- 
ing this period upwards of 50,000 persons left their homes for the 
New World. Queen Anne, of England, wishing to people her colo- 
nies, and unwilling to allow her own subjects to leave, encouraged the 
oppressed Germans to pitch their tents in the forests of America. 
On a special invitation from this Queen, in 1708 and 1709, thirty- 
three thousand left the beautiful Rhine for London. From this city 
many of them were transported across the ocean ; some settled in 
New York, others, in North Carolina, but most of them in Pennsyl- 
vania. 

As our forefathers failed to appreciate the importance of preserv" 
ing papers and documents in which were recorded the events of their 
day, the antiquarian can but mourn over their loss, while he tries to 
give a permanent place to the few facts that have survived the rava- 
ges of time. 



KUTZTOWN AND MAXATAWNY. 5 

Two things are quite certain : bears and Indians' were, for a long 
period, in Berks County, sole monarchs of all they surveyed. From 
a letter dated at Reading, Sept. 22, 1754, to a gentleman in Philadel- 
phia, we learn that the former "were never half so numerous ; you 
can scarce go a mile without seeing one ; several of them have been 
killed near this town lately ;". while in this State, at the arrival of 
Penn, were ten native tribes of Indians, known by the name of 
Leni Lenape or Delawares. It is said that the last of the Delaware^ 
died in Chester Co., Pa., in the person of 'old Indian Hannah,' in 
1803." 

The outbreak of the French and Indian war in 1754, put an endt G 
the friendly dispositions of the Indians. From this time onward to 
1764, and particularly from Braddock's defeat in 1755, owing to the 
machinations of the French, the Indians in our section of the State 
turned against the settlers, and reveled in massacres and conflagra- 
tions. In a letter to Governor Morris, written toward the close of 
1755, Conrad Weiser, who was then commander of the forces in Berks, 
says, "This country is in a dismal condition. It can't hold out long 
—consternation, poverty, confusion everywhere." From a letter 
written by Valentine Probst, Feb. 15, 1756, of Albany township, to 
Jacob Levan, Esq., of Maxatawny, we learn that Albany was dread- 
fully harassed by the Indians, and that several murders had just been 
committed. In a letter to James Read and Jonas Seely, of Reading, 
Jacob Levan says, "When I got ready to go with neighbors from 
Maxatawny,to see what damage was done in Albany, three men, that 
had seen the shocking affair, came and told me that eleven were kil- 
led, eight of them burnt, and the other three found dead out of the 
five." From these few but striking facts we can easily picture to our- 
selves the unhappy situation of this section of the county, and under- 
stand why, in going to church, they went with a pistol in one hand, 
and a musket in the other. It may be interesting also to know that, 
as tradition has it, in the woods just back of David Sharadin's farm 
in Maxatawny, there was an Indian burial place. 

Prior to 1734, in Maxatawny, lived the following persons who 
owned land and paid quit-rents : — 

Jacob Hottenstein, Johannes Siegfried, 

Peter Andreas, Nicholas Kutz, 

Jacob Levan, Abraham Zimmerman , 

Jacob Kemp, Jost, Hen. Sassaman, 

Wilhelm Gross, Andreas Fischer, 

Casper Wink, Heinrich Hartman, 

Christian Mahnenschmidt, Michael Mueller, 

Jacob Hill, Hans Kleimer, 

Isaac Leonard, Heinrich Schade, 

Peter Trexler, Jeremiah Trexler, 

Hans Hage, Bastian Ferr. 

This township was settled very soon after the year 1732. A few 
years after the erection of Berks county (1752), it numbered about 



6 HISTORY OF 

one hundred taxables, principally Germans. Among them we find 
**ich name* as Sassarnanhausen , Zimmerman, Fisher, Levan, Wink, 
Kemp,Hottenstein,Schaffer, Christ, Bieber, Bost, Sharadin, DeLong, 
< -hristman, Bensinger, Esser, Wanner, Gross, and many others. 

As several families by name of DeTurk, now reside in Maxatawny, 
't may be interesting to know, that their forefathers originally set- 
tled in Esopus, New York, and that, prior to 1712, they emigrated to 
Oley township, Berks Co., Pa. 

During this the earliest period, as we glean from the earliest re- 
cords, the most prominent public men were the Levans, the Zimmer- 
nians, the Gehrs, the Groscups, and the Hottensteins. 

By Act of May 22, 1722, it was ordered that a competent number 
of persons shall be commissioned by the Governor, to be Justices of 
rhe County courts during good behavior. From 1752—1760 Jacob 
Levan was one of these Judges. This name is so marked down in 
the earliest documents. The question is, was Jacob Levan of Max- 
atawny this particular person ? We answer affirmatively ; and for 
the following reasons. First of all, we have letters addressed to him 
as Esquire ; and it seems that, in those early days, Esquire and Judge 
were synonymous terms. In the second place, we have letters from 
him to Jonas Seely, of Reading, who was certainly one of the Judges 
of the County court. These two gentlemen must have been close 
friends ; and it is reasonable to infer that their intimacy sprang to a 
yreat extent from the fact that, as brother Judges, they were fre- 
quently brought together as companions. 

Of the Provincial Committee for Pennsylvania, held in Philadel- 
phia, Jan. 23, 1775, Sebastian Levan was a member. 

From 1767 — 1771 Sebastian Zimmerman was one of the Judges; and 
again, from 1778 — 1784. 

But the man who stood forth most prominently before the public 
eye, was Baltzer Gehr. From 1776—1784, he was a Judge ; in 1786, also 
from 1792-1799, a member of the Assembly ; in 1782, both Judge and 
Assemblyman ; and a member of the Provincial Committee, held in 
Philadelphia, Jan, 23, 1775. Under the Constitution of 1776, ther e 
was a Council of Censors, the duty of which was to revise the Exe- 
cutive and Legislative branches of Government, and generally in- 
quire whether theConstitution had been preserved inviolate. Of this 
iie was a member ; convened at Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1783; also, of 
rhe Convention to frame the Constitution of Pennsylvania, which 
met in Philadelphia, Nov. 24, 1789, and closed its sessions Feb. 5, 
1790. 

From 1785 — 17M7 Paul Groscup, who was an expert in penmanship, 
was a Judge ; and again, from 1793— !)<S; also, a member of the Con- 
vention, in 1790, to frame the Constitution of Pennsylvania ; and, in 
I SJO0 one of the Auditors of the County. 

During this period also stood high in public esteem the Hottensteiii 



KUTZTOWN AND MAXATAWNY. 7 

family. From the venerable William Hottenstein,— still living in 
Maxatawny,and now eighty-five years old, who, as we shall see, oc- 
cupied a seat in the Legislature,— we learn that his forefathers were 
natives of Austria, Europe. From thence they went to Bavaria, in 
1727 emigrated to America, settled first in Oley, and before 1730 came 
to Maxatawny. Here they leased from the original proprietors up- 
wards of five hundred acres of land. In the Fatherland they ranked 
among the nobility. Jacob Hottenstein lies buried on the farm of 
William Hottenstein. 

2— FROM 1779 TO 1815. 

Whilst these men were representing this section of the county be- 
fore the public eye, the interests and progress of the people required 
that some definite measures be taken for the building up of a com- 
munity separate from the township as such. Accordingly, in 1779, 
was laid out by George Kutz a town, which from him received the 
name of Kutztown. It was originally a tract containing one hun- 
dred and thirty acres of land, and purchased by him, in 1755, from 
Jacob Wentz and his wifeElizabeth. This tract was at first divided in 
to 108 inlots and 105 outlots. On these were reserved certain ground- 
rents. At a later date was added that part of the town which, be- 
ginning at Baldy's lane, stretches in a nearly southerly direction to 
what is now known as the residence of Jonathan Biehl. As this wa, s 
not encumbered with any reserved rents, it was called Freetown. 

The first house built in Kutztown was a one-story log building. 
It stood at no great distance from the Saucony creek, where now 
stands the elegant mansion of Daniel Sharadin. The first mill in 
Maxatawny did its grinding oh the very spot where now a mill, be- 
longing to Charles Levan, and located near Eagle Point, does the 
same work ; and the first store displayed its silks and satins, its mo- 
lasses and sugar, under the supervision of Jacob Herman, — the same 
Herman, no doubt, who, from 1789 —1801, was Lutheran Trustee of 
the Union congregation. It is ' more than probable, indeed, we 
may say, (mite certain, that the first tavern in Maxatawny was that 
which is now known as Kemp's. Mr. George Kemp (born 1749,) the 
grandfather of the living John Kemp, kept public house there for 
lifty-two years, and the latter, for forty-three years. The former re- 
ceived his commission as Esquire from Gov. Thos. McKean (1800J, 
and served in this capacity thirty-four years ; and the latter filled 
the same honorable position for twenty years. Our esteemed towns- 
man, Joshua Bieber, tells us that his grandfather. John Bieber,helped 
to clear away the brush and fell the scrub oak that, from the Saucony 
creek upward, resisted the enterprise of our fathers in their attempts 
to lay the foundations of a future borough. 

isolated to. a great degree, ;is the people were, from the spriugs of 



8 HISTORY OF 

public energy and the onward current of things in -cities and the 
larger towns, it is not surprising that, for some years, they made no 
very remarkable progress in higher culture and general improvement , 
but preferred to cultivate on their blooming farms the means that 
give bone and sinew to a country, and, in their quiet homes, those 
domestic virtues that not only adorn a land, but are also indispensable 
to its perpetuity and happiness. Yet, in the face of many untoward 
circumstances, the fermenting enterprise of the Kutztowners found 
a vent in the erection of the village into a Borough. 

3. -FROM 1815 TO I860 

This took place by an Act of Assembly, March 1, 1815. The per- 
sons named as incorporators were Henry Heist and Jacob Levan. 
As the Minutes can always be consulted by the curious, it is not nec- 
essary to mention any officers other than those of the year 1815. These 
were : Town Council, Jacob Levan, Esq., President, Moth Wilson, 
Dewalt Wink,Peter Gift, George Fister, Jonathan Grim, and John 
Kutz ; Jacob Levan, (merchant) Treasurer; James Scull, Town Clerk; 
Solomon Kutz, Collector ; Jacob Humbert and George Breyfogel, Su- 
pervisors ; George Bieber and Thos. Lightfoot, Regulators ; Jacob 
Graff, High Constable. 

It was a great pity that, even now with the advantages of a bor- 
°ugh, the laudable ambition of the people was continually checked 
by the force of surrounding circumstances. Our esteemed friend, 
Fayette Schoedler informs us that, in 1817, from the stone house next 
to Baldy's lane, clear out to the southern limits of the town, and far 
beyond, nothing but woodland greeted the eye of the traveler; whilst 
the people not unfrequently gathered in their strength to assist some 
luckless horses in dragging out of the deep mud the farmer's wagon 
and the laborer's cart. In Freetown, on that side of the Jstreet where 
now stands the new erected mansion of J. D. Wanner, Esq., down 
to 1830, there were built three houses only, those of Messrs Baldy 
Sander, and Strasser, — a tract of land which is now beautified by 
private residences of every description, whilst farther out stand the 
residences of Jonathan Biehl, William Kutz, David Sharadin, the 
splendid houses of John Wink, and Col. Thos. D. Fister, and k tower- 
ing above them all the Keystone Normal School, whose cupola, dur- 
ing a crisp winter's night, seems almost a globe of crystal suspen- 
ded in midair. In 1800 was built the stone house, now known as 
Siegfried's, by Adam Kutz, who owned the land, on both sides of the 
street, from Baldy's lane to where now lives William Hein. In 
Kutztown, in 1817. were kept taverns by Geo. Pfister, Daniel Levan, 
Isaac Levan and Isaac Levan. 

WherelsaacHottenstein now resides, lived in 1823-24, Michael Hen- 
del, whose swinging sign, with Andrew Jackson emblazoned on it, 



KUTZTOWN AND MAXATAWNY. 9 

told the weary traveler, as he trudged or rode up the street, that 
within he could find in winter refreshments to warm his freezing bo- 
dy, and in summer,to abate the burning heat ; while farther up where 
Edward Dikeman now drives the tobacco trade, the u FullMoon"shed 
his mellow beams on the belated wanderer, and invited him in to 
Apple Jack and pure OldRye. Its Landlord, David Moyer,it is said, 
astonished the natives by the erection of a clover mill which was 
operated by ox power. 

Let us now pass by the uninteresting events of a few years, and 
take our point of view from 1835. 

In Maxatawny, in 1835, there were three hundred sixty four taxa- 
bles, and in Kutztown, one hundred fifty-nine. These latter lived 
in one hundred five houses, and represented eight hundred souls. 
In the town were four stores, five taverns, three Esquires, one Ger- 
man and two English schools, and one church. It owned five hun- 
dred fifty acres of outlots, whilst the borough proper occupied twenty 
five acres . On the three hundred seventy acres of- the former grew 
corn, potatoes, flax, hay, &c, ; and one hundred seventy two acres 
yielded eight thousand two shocks of grain, of which five thousand 
five hundred were wheat. Computing these (8002) at five and a half 
bushels to the hundred sheaves, they thrashed four thousand four 
hundred bushels, or twenty five and a half bushels to the acre. If 
now we suppose that each of the eight hundred inhabitants needed 
for living five bushels, it follows that, in 1835, the town owned four 
hundred bushels of grain more than it consumed. The remaining 
three hnndred seventy eight acres produced in more than plenty the 
other necessaries of life, while the land within the borough proper 
poured into the lap of its owners a rich supply of the delicacies of 
each returning season. 

During the same year, wheat commanded $1.20, per bushel; rye, 
80 ; corn, 75 ; oats, 35 ; potatoes, 50 ; rye whiskey, 35 per gallon ; ap- 
ple jack, 35 ; hams, 11 per pound; pork, 10 ; beef, 6 ; firkin butter, 11; 
hickory wood, 3.00; oak 2.25 ; coal, 5.00 ; eggs, 8 cts. per dozen. 

For the year ending March 31, 1835, the Post Office of Kutztown 
paid over to theDepartment at Washington, $153.68, and of Rothrocks. 
ville, $17.12.. It must not be forgotten, however, that many citizens 
of Maxatawny made use of the Postal facilities of the borough. 

From April 17, 1835 to April 15, 1836, the income and expenses of 
the town were each $381, 37f. During this time Joseph Heist was 
Treasurer, William Heidenrich, President of Council, and George 
Bieber Secretary. 

These facts certainly show that the people were not oppressed by 
taxation, and that they had in plenty the necessaries and luxuries of 
life. Yet, cut off, as they were, from the great centres of public in- 
fluence, their energies were cramped, cabined, and confined. In 
order to enjoy the reading of the "Neutralist" the citizens of the vi- 



10 HISTORY OF 

cinity were forced to organize societies, the object of which was to 
eke out the deficiencies of their Postal accommodations. Thus, at 
a meeting of its subscribers in Rockland, August 1, 1835, they bound 
themselves, each in his turn, under a penalty of fifty cents, to bring 
the paper from the printing office every Wednesday, and deliver it 
on Thursday morning at the store of Thomas Oyster. At first, three 
times a week, the rumbling wheels of the stage enlivened the quiet 
air of the town, and drew out of their houses men, women and 
children to gaze in wonder at the skillful Iehu, who, as he circled 
liis whip in the air and applied it vigorously to the haunches of his 
Rosinantes, sent them flying to the popular hotel of our old friend, 
David Fister. On Feb. 1.1837, the proprietors of the Reading and 
Easton line, — David Fister, Jacob Graff, and Chas. Seagreaves, — 
announced that, from this time onward, Sundays excepted, they 
would run a daily coach between these two places. There was also 
a line run from Kutztown, by way of Boyertown, to Norristown. 
This was under the control of Samuel Hartranft, father of Governor 
John Hartranft, who, in his youth, sometimes acted the driver on 
this route. 

At quite an early period, before the Philadelphia and Reading 
railroad was completed, was held in the borough a meeting to con- 
sider the propriety of building a railway from Hamburg, via Kutz- 
town, to Pottsgrove, to connect with the Reading and Norristown 
road. It is said that the .killing of a teamster, near Pennsburg, 
Montgomery Co., by the engineer of the proposed company, put an 
end to the project. 

On Feb. 25, 1837, at the hotel of David Fister, was held a large 
meeting to urge on the plan for building a road from Hamburg, via 
Kutztown, to Allentowu. There were passed resolutions, calling up- 
on the Legislature to pass an Act already in its hands "to empower 
the Governor to incorporate the Hamburg and Allentowu Railroad 
company." Nothing came of this effort. 

But, though geographically separated from the leading centres of 
action, the people were kept in communication with the world at 
large by means of newspapers. To William Harmony belongs the 
honor of having published the first paper in Kutztown, in the Ger - 
man laugnage. On the 12th of June, 1833, was issued the first num- 
ber of the "Neutralist, "in Germaa, by Henry Hawrecht, a native of 
Berlin, Prussia, and former Editor of the Reading 'Adler," and by 
Chas. Wink, of Kutztown, who served as apprentice in the "Adler" 
office. Its motto was, "Jedem das Seine." Having discontinued 
this paper in the spring of 1837, both these geutlemen emigrated to 
Ohio; but, returning t > Kutztowu, in 1841, they issued the first 
number of the "Geiat der Zeit," on June 1st of the same year, in 
the same office was also printed "De»* Hirt," which was estab- 
lished and edited by Rev. J. S Hermau. It numbered twenty-two 



KUTZTOWN AND MAXATAWNY. 11 

hundred subscribers. Its first issue dates from June 39, 1854, and its 
last from June 20, 1856. On the death of Mr Hawrecht, 1859, his 
widow, Emily, continued the "Geist der Zeit" up to 1863. Mr. Wm 
Rosenthal now became owner of the office and its material. 

As in the earliest period of their history, so now, Kutztown and 
Maxatawny continued to illustrate the political annals of both coun- 
ty and State. The following gentlemen filled seats in the Assem- 
bly :— David Hottenstein, 1816, '22, '23, '25, '27 ; G. U. Odenhei- 
mer, 1825; John Wanner, 1831, '32, Peter Klein, jr., 1834 ; William 
Hottenstein, 1835, '36 ; Samuel Fegely, 1837, '38,'39, '48, '49, '57 ; 
Dan. B. Kutz, 1840, '41 ; Alfred J. Herman, 1844 ; Jacob Graff 1841. 
Samuel Fegely was Senator from 1841— 1846. Couuty offices were fill- 
ed by the following:— Clerk of O. C. Mr. J. M. Hyneman, 1810—1815 
and Co. Surveyor, 1816—1822; Commissioner.GeorgeKemp, 1822-24; 
Director, John Wanner, 1824, Commissioner, 1826, 27 ; Auditor,G. U. 
Odenheimer, 1822-24 ; Director, Dan. K. Hottenstein, 1825, '26, and 
Commissioner, 1831-33 ; Director, David Deysher, 1830-32 ; Commis- 
sioner, David Kutz, 1838-40 ; Clerk of O. C. Jas. Donagan, 1840-42; 
Co. Surveyor, J. Dan. Wanner, 1841-47; Associate Judge Wm. Hey- 
denreich, 1852-56; Clerk of O. C, Chas. J. Wink, 1852-54; Commis- 
sioner, Benj. Kutz, 1853-55 ; Mercantile Appraiser, Isaac S. Hotten- 
stein, 1855; Prothonotary, David Fister, 1858—1861. 

Whilst men were busy in laying plans for political promotions, 
impartial death, which knocks at the door of both Cottager and 
King, ever and anon put in his sickle for a harvest. For the accom- 
modation of the dead, Hope cemetery was incorporated Sept. 17,186! . 
and consecrated June 22, 1862. Its present officers art Geo. J. Kutz, 
President ; John Humbert, Secretary ; Charles Kutz, Treasurer. It 
is managed by a board of Trustees, composed of nine members. In 
it have been buried down to the present time one hundred and 
eighty-eight bodies. The first burial was that of John D. Bieber, 
*on of Captain Bieber, who died Dee. 30, 1861, aged SI years, 5 oios., 
and 12 day*. 

On June 15, and Id, 1861, Fairview cemetery was consecrated. 
Rev. Dr. Kessler,of Allentown, and Rev. Mr. Yeager,of Greenwich, 
preached on Saturday ; Revs. Dubbs, of Lehigh, and Phillips, of 
ISasfcon, uu Sunday ; and Rev. J. S. Herman performed the eouse- 
eratory ceremonies. On April 12, 1862, it was organized. 

Its pre&ent officers are William Wanner, President ; Egidius But/,, 
Treasurer, and Jonas Hoch, Secretary. In it now repose near three 
hundred bodies.The first funeral was that of Isadore, son of William 
and Esther Weiser, aged seven years, one month and three days. 

Both cemeteries are independent of ecclesiastical control, and are 
managed by Associations. 

In October, 184J, was instituted in Kutztown the Brotherly Love 
Lodge, No. 77. of the Order of Odd Fellows Its present officers are 



12 HISTORY OF 

Dan. F. Wagner, N. G. ; Jeremiah Scherer,V. G. ; I.-S. Hottenstein, 
Treasurer, Jon. Biehl, Secretary, and D. S. Kutz, Assist. Secretary. 

On March 22, 1858, were organized the American Mechanics, Sr., 
wko numbered before the Civil war one hundred and twenty mem- 
bers. 

During the first week of October, 1836,Kutztown and Maxatawny 
were favored with visits from some of the great men of the country, 
— Governor Joseph Ritner and his Secretary of State. Thos. H. 
Burrowes, the Hon. H. A. Muhlenberg and General William Henry 
Harrison, who was at that time a candidate tor the Presidency of 
the United States. 

It was during this period that certain social amusements which 
are now buried in the tomb of the Capulets, reached their richest 
bloom. These were frolics, fairs, and battalions. Prom some adver- 
tisements now in our hands, our readers can gain a clear insight 
into their uature and influence. 

As an example of the" frolic", we subjoin the following announce 
ment taken from the ''Neutralist" of Dec. 28, 1836 ; — 

GLAENZENDE EROEDICK. 

Am Freytag, den 6ten naechsteu Januar soil am Hau.se des Unter- 
schriebenen, in Richmond Taunship, Berks Co., Pa., «ine Frollick 
gehalten werden, die an Glantz und Pracht alles bieten wird, was 
im Jahr 1837 an dieser Art von Fest.lich.keit und Lustbarkeit her- 
vorgebracht werden kann.— Die schcensten Maedchen im Caunty 
werden dieses Tanzvergnuegen mit ihrer Gegenwart beehren ; fuer 
die besten Getraenkt ist gesorgt, und somit werden alle Freunde 
unschuldigen Vergnuegens eingeladen beizuwohnen. 

j^pN. B. Die Kutztauner iVl usik Gesellschaft wird bei dieser 
Festlichkeit zugegen sein. 

SAMUEL JUNKEN. 

As an example of Fairs in 1836 : — 

GD.ENZENDE FAIR IN DEB STADT KUTZTAUN. 

Am Freytag und Samstag, den 2 ten und 3ten naechsteu Septem- 
ber, wird in der Stadt Kutztaun eine glaenzende Fair gehalten wer- 
den. Unter den vielen ansiebenden Gegenstaenden, welcne dieses 
glaenzende Festzieren werden, brauchen wir nur anzufuehren, dass 
ein ganzes Regiment Freiwilliger zur Parade ausruecken werden — 
Cavallarie und Infanterie, und dass verschiedenartige militaerische 
Manoever ausgefuehrt werden sollen. Dir Wirthehaben sich neben- 
bei mit den besten Getraenken versehen ; stark und sehTvach, vom 
besten Braendy bis aufs klare Wasser, so dass auch Temper*- nz 
Leute accomtnodirt werden koennen — wie auch mit den besten 
Speisen fuer Van Buren und Harrison Leute — wie auch mit Platz 
fuer 8000 Mann, denn man erwartet, dass diese Fair ungewoehnlich 
zahlreich besucht werden wird Fuer gute Fiddler ist ebenfalls ge- 
sorgtwordeu. Dass auch Pferde Wettrennen stattrindeu werden, 
versteht sich von selbst. Namentlich wird das beruehmte Virgini- 
ien Pferd Bucephalus gegen das vollbluetige importirte Pferd Resi- 
nante springen. Auch werden einige kleine Ballons in die Hoehe 
gelassen werden. 



KUTZTOWN AND MAXATAWNY. 13 

P. S.— Es wird erwartet, dass die Laedies vom Lande sich ein we- 
nig achoen aufdressen werden — indem die Kutztauner Laedies sich 
vou Kopf zuni Fuss nait den praeoluigsten neuen Stoffeu aus unsern 
Stohren verseheu haben. 

Kutztaun. August 17, 1836. 

At first the battalions and the militia trainings were one and trie 
same thing. When the latter were by law abolished, the festivities 
originally connected with them were continued under the name of 
the former. These were held in the month of May, the Fairs in 
September, and the Frolics, whenever the humor of the people and 
the wishes of landlords required them. About thirty years ago 
Fairs died out. These became so unpopular that it sometimes hap 
pened that no sufficient notice of the time of their holding was given. 
As a result of this, the lovers of fun who lived in the remoter parts 
of the county, occasionally made their appearance in Kutztown a 
day too late. From this fact originated tke well-known phrase 
"a day after the fair.'" 

What during the Restoration m England May- poles and bear- 
baiting were to the English, and, in modern times, prize fighting, 
fairs and battalions were, during this period, to the people of this 
section of the county. As it is foolish to suppose that the masses can 
be angels, and as all classes of society, whether rude or refined, must 
have some recreation, whilst we rejoice over the burial of frolics and 
such like things, we have no sympathy with that Pharisaic spirit 
which makes no a'lowauc* for the needs of men, and visics with un - 
sparing severity the follies of weak, uncultured human nature. 

The "Battalion" survived the period now under consideration % 
It had a tou?h lite. How it at last succumbed to the progress of cul- 
ture and refinement, will appear in what can justly be called the 
Blooming Period of our history. 

4.— FROM 1865 TO 1876. 

Against it was sounded the first clear note of opposition by the 
Trustees of the Keystone State Normal School, which was begun in 
August, 1865. At a meeting held by them May 18, 1866, were passed 
sundry resolutions, which diclared that the "Battalion," by reason 
of the abuses and evils connected with it, had outlived its usefulness, 
and that, as so great an Institution as the Normal School had now 
been established in our midst, it was the duty of the citizens to 
frown upon everything that tended to cast a stain on the character 
of the borough and its vicinity. This protest did not immediately 
ripen into fruit, but, sustained as it was by the people generally, it 
went forth, and in time did its appointed work As a loeal incident, 
it may be mentioned that some persons, who had at heart the pros- 
perity of thrf school and the community, but were influenced by an 
indiscreet zeal, circulated a placard through the surrounding coun- 



14 HISTORY OF 

try, in which it was announced that the "Battalion" advertised 
for 1866, had been indefinitely postponed. Gradually, but surely, 
tho educational influence of the Normal, with its Commencement* 
and Literary anniversaries, Wore away the tendency to low amuse- 
ments, and created a love for such as, while they satisfied the desire 
for innocent recreations, tended to minister to our nobler nature. 
The last battalion was held May 31, 1871. 

In the effort now being made to raise the community to a higher 
point of culture, the Keystone Agricultural and Horticultural Socie- 
ty lent its powerful aid It was chartered in 18^0, and owns six- 
•teen acres of land, which, together with the buildings and improve- 
ments, cost not far from fifteen thousand dollars. The first offieere 
were Elijah DeTurk, President ; Juo. R. Gonaer, Secretary ; L. K. 
Hottenstein, Treasurer; and tor 1876, George Kutz, President; 
Jeft. C. Hoch, Secretary ; A. J. Fogel, Secretary ; Dr J. S. Trexler, 
Corresponding Secretary ; Hon. H.H.Schwartz, Attorney. In Oc- 
tober, 1878, Horace Greeley, then the Democratic candidate for the 
Presidency of the United States, visited Kutztown, and delivered 
two addresses, one before the Society, and the oth^r before the stu_ 
dents of the Normal. For 1874, the orator, during the Agricultural 
exhibition, was Alexander Ramsey, United States Senator from 
Minnesota, and for 1875, Judge Humphreys, of Washington, D. C. 

The tendency toward public and social improvement was now 
also greatly aided by the branch railroad whicb connects Kutz- 
town, by way of Topton, with the chief centres of American civili- 
zation. Failing in their plans to have the Fast Pennsylvania 
Railroad pass through the borough, the people bent their energies 
upon the completion of what once bore the name of the Allentown 
and Auburn Rail Road, but is now knowo as the Allentown 
Rail Road To this had been subscribed by Kutztown and vi- 
cinity more than $20,000. Of its stock our esteemed friend 
Lewis K. Hottenstein. one of our most worthy and influential citi- 
zens, held $5010.00. Worlj was commenced on it in 1857, but the 
financial panic that ensued, put a stop to the project. Meanwhile 
the Philadelphia and Reading R. R. company obtained control Of 
the stock. In 1868 our citizens, in public meeting assembled, drew 
up a petition, in which they requested the company to complete the 
road from Topton to KulHtown. Their petition met with a generous 
response. On June 9, 186t, work was begun. Mr. Fayette Schoed- 
ler had the honor of digging up the first earth. Under the direction 
•f Engineer G. W. Hoover, Conductor, Geo. Snodgrass, and Baggag» 
Master, Theo. G. Faber, was run the first train on Jan. 10, 1870. 
The A^ent of the Company in Kutztown, is Mr. Lewis Fisher. So 
well and faithfully have these officers discharged their duties that 
the company has recognized their worth by continuing them in 
their positions down to the present time. 



KUTZTOWN AND MAXATAWNY. 18 

The elegant Depot which adorns the grounds of the Station was 
built in 18^9—70. 

Over this road now run seven daily trains from the town and the 
same number to it ; ton Sundays, but two.) 

On the 10th of February, 1873, the Telegraph lent its wings to the 
enterprise of the borough. From its first establishment to the pre- 
sent time, Calvin Fister has been its efficient operator. 

Newspapers also were now in their zenith. ' On Feb. 3, 1870, ap- 
peared in German the first number of the Kutztown "Journal." It 
was published by Isaac F. Christ, originally of Greenwich twp. , Berk s 
Co., Pa., ; edited and managed by Chas. Kolbe, of Doylestown, Bucks 
Co., Pa; in size twenty-four by thirty-six. The latter gentleman 
was suceeded by Mr Geiz, of Allentown, who, in turn, gave way to 
F. Konietzko, of Reading. On Nov. 4, 1871, under the same pro- 
prietor, Mr. Conrad Gehring, of Reading, assumed the editorial and 
mechanical control of the paper. In the same office, in the follow- 
ing spring, was published in English the "National Educator." Un- 
der the editorship of Prof. A. R. Home, it advocated the interest* 
of our Common schools, and still continues to be one of its best cham- 
pions. At this time it appeared once a month ; in size sixteen by 
twenty-four. Leaving in the spring of 1873, Conrad Gehring became 
publisher of the "Volksfreund,"in Middleburg, Snyder Co., Pa. Mr. 
Emil Meister succeeded him as editor of the "Journal." Now it was 
that Isaac F. Christ started an English paper, "The National Enter- 
prise", with J. H. Lindeman as editor; but not meeting with suf- 
ficient patronage, consolidated it with the "National Educator" 
which had for some time been published as a weekly. Invited by 
Mr. Christ to return to his former position, in Nov. 1873, Mr. Gehring 
again became editor and manager. In May, 1874, with the former 
as publisher and the latter as editor was issued a German and Eng- 
lish paper,-the "American Patriot" ; in size, twenty-four by thirty 
six. In March 1875, Mr. Gehring, in connection with A. B. Urick, 
of Lebanon Co., Pa., purchased the establishment of Mr. Christ, and 
on April 1, 1875, took possession of it as a firm, under the name of 
Urick & Gehring. During September of the same year, steam 
power was introduced. The business of these enterprising gentle- 
men increased so rapidly that it soon became necessary to remove 
their quarters to the second floor of the large building which Mr. I). 
B. Snyder had erected on Main street. With the opening of the Cen- 
tennial year, Messrs. Urick and Gehring surprised their patrons with 
the Journal and Patriot, each of them enlarged to the size of twenty 
eight by forty-two 

The Journal numbers 1600 subscribers ; the Patriot, 400—500 ; 
i he Educator, 8—900. Five presses do the work of the office. 

From what has been said it may. easily be interred that, in order 



16 HISTORY OF 

to meet the demands that grew out of the rapid growth of the bor- 
rough and its vicinity, banks soon became a necessity. 

Already in 1869 was established the Kutztown Savings Bank, with 
J. H. Fogel as President, and Dr. Hottenstein as Cashier. Its present 
officers are Daniel Dietrich, President, W. C. Dietrich, Cashier. 

ThePeabodySavings Bank was organized in 18,70. Present officers: 
Jno. Lichtenwalner, President, and J. D. Wanner, Esq., Cashier. 

The national bank of Kutztown was chartered by the Goverment 
of the United States in 1871. Its authorized Capital is $60 000.00, 
with the privilege of $200,000.00. Present officers, Jno. H. Fogel, 
President, and Thos, D. Fister, Cashier. It was chiefly through tin- 
intelligent Zealand energy of the latter gentleman that this barLk 
was located in our borough. From the Report, dated May 12, 187T;. 
we learn that its resources and liabilities are each $151,161,81. 

The Postal facilities of the town are equal to the demands and ne- 
cessities of the hour. Two daily mails leave for the West, and two 
daily for the East; and the same number return. For the year 187,5 
the Borough postoffice paid over to the Department at Washington, 
$644.05, and for the first quarter of 1876. $155,46. 

In February, 1863, the market prices in Kutztown were: red wheat 
1.50 ; white, 1.56; rye, .87 ; new corn, .78 ; stove coal, 5.00 ; nut, 3.50 ; 
butter, .18 ; eggs, 14 ; potatoes, .50 ; ham, .6 ; shoulders and flitch, .6 ; 
hickory wood, 3.00, and oak, 2.50. 

For the month of June, 1876, they were: salt, per bushel, .60; sack 
1.45 ; eggs, dozen, .14 ; butter, pound, .18 ; lard, 16 ; hams, 15 ; tallow, 
.8; flour, white wheat, 100 pounds, 3.75, and red, by bushel, 1.32; rye - 
58 pounds, .75; new corn, .56 ; oats, .42; potatoes, .30; egg and stone 
coal, ton, 5.50; chestnut, No. 1. Lehigh, 5.50, nut, 4.50. hickory, 4, so, 
pea, 3.00, bituminous, 6.50; gypsum, ton, 13.00. 

The Kutztown iron-foundry and Machine Shop, which was es- 
tablished by Messrs. Elias Jackson and Dan.B. Kutz, in 1851, became 
the property of Zehm andBro. inl865. They removed it to its present 
site in the year 1869. It was burnt down in 1870,and rebuilt the same 
year. In July, 1862, it began to cast bells. Thejirst of them weighed 
fifty pounds, and sold for $4.50. 

On July 2, 1873, Henry Boy er dug the first earth for the foundation 
of the Kutztown Furnace, The contractors were Lee, Noble and 
Co., the former of Mahonoy city, the latter of Pottsville, Schuylkill 
county, Pa. Most of the stockholders live in the borough. The Phil- 
adelphia and Reading R. R. Co. went security for the bonds issued, 
and thus obtained the first mortgage on the property. Its first offic- 
ers were Thomas Wren, of Pottsville, President, O. Bowman, of 
Trenton, N. J. Sec, Messrs. A. J. Fogel, Jno. Humbert, Esq., and 
Jno. Gonser, also served as Secretaries. Present officers: O. Bow- 
man, Pres.; Directors, Thos. D. Fister, Hon. H. H. Schwartz, Dr. 
Jer. Trexler, G. Kutz, Thos. Wren, Ralph Lee. 



KUTZTOWN AND MAXATAWNY. 17 

In 1875—76 was also established a furnace near Lyons, Maxa- 
tawny. 
During this period Orders and Fraternities reached their bloom. 
On Nov. 29, 1866, met in Kutztown, the Grand Lodge of Masons oJ 
Pennsylvania , J. L. Stichter, of Reading acting as the Right Wor- 
shipful the Grand Master. Now was instituted theHuguenot Lodge, 
No.377, Ancient York Masons. Officers: A.J. Fogel, Worshipful 
Master, J. S. Trexler, Senior Warden ; Jon, B. Grim, Treasurer ; 
Lewis Fisher, Secretary. Present officers : Hon. H. H. Schwartz, 
Worshipful Master; Eldridge Zimmerman, Senior Warden. F. H. 
Yeager, Junior Warden, A. J. Fogel, Treasurer ; Lewis Fisher, Sec- 
retary. This Lodge meets on every Saturday on, or before full moon 
of every month. Up to this time the number of members is one 
hundred fifteen. 

On May 20, 1870, was founded the "Harugari." P'rom its Secretary. 
Aug. Sprenger, we learn that it numbers about one hundred mem- 
bers, and has now in its treasury f 1200,00. On a lot in "Fairview" 
cemetery, the order recently planted an oak, which is green and 
flourishing, and will be dedicated July 4, 1876. 

The " Daughters of Liberty" organized in 1873, and disbanded in 
1876 ; the Knights of Pythias in 1872, and the American Mechanics. 
Jr., in 1870, both of which still exist. 

In the Fall of 1873 came into being the Maxatawny Grange, No. 
14. George Kutz was the First Master, Wm. DeTurk, the second. 
and Louis Wagenhorst, the third. Its object is to protect agricul- 
tural labor against monopolies. * 

Towards the close of 1875 was organized in the borough the Berk* 
Co. Poultry Association. Its first annual exhibition took place on 
January 11— 14, 1876. Present officers: L. C. Berkemeyer, Pres., 
Conrad Gehring, Rec.Sec. J. H. Marx, Esq., Cor. Sec. S. S. Schmehl. 
Treasurer ; Hon. H. H. Schwartz, Attorney. 

During this time also, as before, from this section were selected 
men to represent us before the public eye. The Hon. H.H.Schwartz, 
who located as lawyer in^Kutztown, in 1860, soon obtained the con- 
fidence of the citizens, and served as Esquire from 1863 — 1870. In 
1870 he was elected a member of the Legislature, and, for three 
years, ornamented that body by his presence, and enlightened it by 
his political wisdom. In the years 1868 and 69, Henry Hottenstein, 
of Lyons, was also a member of the Assembly ; whilst from 1866 — (>!' 
J. D. Wanner, Esq., filled the office of Register of the county. In 
1866, David Kutz, one of the most influential citizens of Maxatawny. 
was elected for a period of five years an Associate Judge of the Berk^ 
County courts. 

The officers of Kutztown for the Centennial year are S. S. Schineh I 
Chief Burgess ; Daniel Hottenstein, Assistant Burgess; Town coun- 
cil, Ulrich Miller, Isaac K. Rahn, Jno. S. Dunkle, Dav. A. Larasch, 



18 HISTORY OF 

William Keim, Wendel Miller ; Treasurer, John Humbert, Esq 
Solicitor, H. H. Schwartz; Sec, J. H. Marx, Esq., ; Supervisor, Nat, 
Zimmerman ; Regulators, John Humbert, David Hottenstein ; High 
Oonstable, Isaac Fegely. 

From the fact that in 1870 the population of Maxatawny was 2,531, 
we are led to infer that in 1876 it must be nearly 3,000. According to 
the statistics in the "'New Historical Atlas of Berks County", its 
valuation is $2,803,344 ; average wealth per each inhabitant, SI, 131 ; 
Hcres of improved land, 15,844. 

The valuation of Kutztown is $572,643 ; average wealth per each 
inhabitant, $606,00. 

In 1860 the population of the Borough was 010; in 1870, 965; in 
1876, according to the Census taken during the second week of June 
1876, by Jas. F. Wagenhorst, 1190. 609 females and 531 males. The 
fact, that, in less than six years, it increased, by nearly 250 souls, 
shows thatKutztown is rapidly progressing on the high way of pros- 
perity. This growth is not owing altogether to the natural increase 
of families, but, in a very considerable degree, to the settlement in 
our midst of persons from a distance and from the vicinity. In the 
way of illustration we take the liberty of mentioning names such, 
as A. J. Fogel and David H. Hottenstein. The former is a young 
man whose euterprise and trustworthy character would ornament 
any locality ; the latter we wish to hand down to the people of 1976, 
who may read these pages, as one in whom nature has compounded 
I he elements of excelence into a noble man. In the same class also 
are placed persons, such as John Dunkel, the Steins, the Dietrichs, 
Doctors Berkemeyer and Shoemaker, Gernert, Urick, Gonser, Brei- 
iiinger and others, — all of whom add greatly to the wealth and im- 
provement of the town. 

Here follows a brief list of the Professional and Business citizens 
wf our borougb, those excepted to whom allusion has already been 
made: — 

Esquires, H. H. Schwartz, Jas H. Marx ; Physicians, Doctor Chas. 
Gerash, Jer. S. Trexler, J. H. Helfrich, Ed. Hottenstein, I. N. E. 
Shoemaker, Cyrus Wanner; Merchants (Dry Goods, &c.,) Jno. S. 
Dunkle.Stein &Bro., W. G. Hinterleiter,J. S. Bieber; Drug Stores, 
J. F. Breininger, Dr. L. C. Berkemeyer ; Hardware, none in th^ 1 
borough since 1856, now one through the enterprise of S. S. Schmehl, 
who established it in the spring of 1875; Shoe Stores, Wanner & 
Humbert, S. E. Lehman & Co.; Lumber and Grain, Fogel & Zim- 
merman, J. S. Heffner; Book Store, 1. F. Christ; Cigars, Chas. 
Hast, H. Bloch, N. Heckinan, H. Keiter; E G. Dikeman.G. O'Neal 
0. Saul ; Liquor, D. W. Sharadin ; Clothing, Peter Krause ; Harness 
maker and store, M. T. Donmoyer; Dentistry, H. L. Johnson, S. ()' 
Boyle, W. Stetler ; Millinery and Notions. J. L. Eck : Milinery. 



KUTZTOWN AND MAXATAWNY. 19 

Mrs. D. A. G. W'ink, Mrs. Mary "'Zimmerman, 'and Mr*. Mary 
Long.; Jewelry, Aug. Springer, I. Benner and Son ; Photographer 
and Artist, C. W. Snyder ; Carriages, Rich. Miller's Sons, Dan. F- 
Wagner; Sewing Machines, J. L. Eck, W. S. Eck and H. W. 
Williams ; Cabinet Maker and Undertakers, W. Gehret, Paul Hil- 
bert, D. W. Sharadin; Machine Shop, Jno. Wentzel ; Marble 
Yard, Philip Wentz ; Tinsmithand Store, W. F. Kover, Mrs. J. B. 
Wagenhorst; Brickmakers, Jon. Bieber, Sr., J. H. Mohr ; Shoe- 
makers, W. Snyder, G. Brown; G. O'Neil, B. Snyder, Jno. Suyder ? 
W. Miller; Painter, H. Gehret ; Tailors, P. B. Kline, Peter Krause! 
H. W. Williams, C. D. Herman; Livery, P.F. Hartzell; Carpenters, 
1). Kline, A. Stcinberger, W. Mc'Gargy, Dan. Yaxtheimer; Carpet 
Weaver, Mr. Glasser; Gunsmith, Aug. Weikusat ; Butcher, Rahn 
& Reeser ; Barber, G. Siegfrid, W. C. Bornman ; Blacksmith, W. 
Sander, Harry Scheidt; Bakery, Chas. Auer ; Confectionary, J as. 
O'Boyle; Restaurants, W. Stimmel, D.K. Sprenger, Jackson &Keim; 
Taverns, Dan. Zimmerman, Chas. Kutz, W. A. Keini, Ulrich Mil- 
ler, Jno. Gernert, Israel Wentzel ; Tannery, J. Dan. Sharadin ; 
Brakesmen, Jac. Lawson,H. W. Strasser; News Agent, Jas. F. Wag- 
enhorst ; Postmaster, Jon. Bieber Sr.; Express offices: Phi. and 
Reading R. R. Ex. at the Depot, and Central Express at Berkeiney- 
er's Drug Store. 

We close this section of our sketch by subjoining brief obituary no- 
tices of some of the leading men who left us for the other world : — 

1. Hon. John Wanner, of Maxatawny.— Died in the Fall of 1842. 
He was blessed with thirteen children, who, as the Psalmist says, 
were as "olive plants around his table." Of these several became, 
and are still prominent men in the county. J. Daniel, as we have 
seen, filled for years public positions ; Amos is a lawyer of the Rea- 
ding bar, and one of our present representatives in the Legislature : 
Charles graduated with distinction in the Penn. Medical University 
in Philadelphia, and practised many years in Kutztown ; Joel com- 
pleted his literary course in Marshal College, Mereersburg, Pa. stu- 
died law, became Mayor of the city of Reading, and was a candidate 
for Congress ; William served as Esquire for years in Maxatawny ; 
Peter now lives on his farm in this town ship ; and John is a suc- 
cessful merchant in Philadelphia, 

2. Charles HSrma.n Wanner,M. D.— Died Nov. 12,iS(W,aged 42 
years, 2 mos. , 9 days. Reposes in Fairview Cemetery. The funeral 
services were conducted at the house by the Revds. Hinterleiter and 
Spieker, and at the cemetery and church, by Revds. J. S. Her- 
mann and McCauley. Text, Genesis 4S,21. The funeral cortege con- 
sisted of tlic Medical Society of Berks county, choir of the church, 
the family, and relations of the deceased, and the Professors and 
students of the Keystone Normal School. 



20 HISTORY OF 

3. David Kutz.— Died July 20,1870; aged 72 years, 7 mos.,17days. 
Buried in Hope cemetery. Judge Kutz possessed a sound judgment, 
and, in his day, was one of the most prominent citizens of Maxa" 
tawny. His son George J., who is now the President of our Agri- 
cultural Society, lives on the old homestead, and is one among the 
most active members of the Trustees of the Normal School. 

3. David FisTeb.— Died Oct. 8,1871; aged,69 years,3 mos.,19 days. 
Reposes in Hope cemetery. As we have already learned, the Fister 
family was one of the oldest that settled in this section, and David 
was certainly one of its worthiest representatives. His virtues and 
manners are still green in our minds, and, as we write, we drop a 
tear over his memory. Rev. J. S. Hermann preached his funeral 
germon from Luke 21, 19. 

4. Captain Danied Bieber. —Died May 26, 1872 ; aged 76 years. 
Buried in Hope cemetery. Sermon by Rev. Mr. Spieker, from the 
text in Isaiah 57, 3. 

5. Benjamin Kutz.— Died Feb. 9, 1874; aged 67 years, 8 mos., 28 
days ; buried in Fairview cemetery. Sermon by Rev. J. S. Herman n 
text, fifth book of Moses, chap. 32, v. 4. Our old friend is gone, but 
his many virtues, particularly his kind, genial disposition, will never 
be forgotten by those who enjoyed the pleasure of his acquaintance. 

6- Lewis K. Hoteenstein. — Died June 9,175; aged 59 years,4 mos. 
13 days ; buried in Fairview cemetery. Sermon by Rev. J. S. Her- 
mann; text, John's Gospel, 11, 11. 

From the Kutztown Patriot of June 17, 1875, we extract the 
following : 

"Kutztown, the Keystone Normal School, the cause of education, 
has lost a warm friend, and an ardent and substantial support in 
the death of L. K. Hottenstein, of this place. He was the heaviest 
stockholder of the Normal.His investment of $3000.00, was virtually 
a donation to the institution, inasmuch as he never received, never 
expected to receive a cent of interest on the investment. He had 
made similar investments for the best interests of the community to 
the amount of perhaps $20,000, and over. When such men die, the 
loss of them is a heavy, and apparently, an irreparable one, and yet 
what is loss to us, proves to them eternal gain." 

7. Danl. Kutz. — Died Dec. 1,1875; aged 92 years, 7 mos., 12 days; 
buried in Hope cemetery. Sermon by Rev. J. S. Herrmann ; text, 

Psalm 91.16. 

8. Elijah DeTubk.— Died Jan. 19, 1876; aged 66 years, 1 month, 
28 days ; buried in Fairview cemetery. As he was a leading mem- 
ber of the Trustees of the Keystone Normal, his body was taken to 
the chapel of the school. Here Rev. J. S, Herrmann preached from 
Proverbs 10.7. In the funeral procession were the Professors and 
students of the Normal. 



KUTZTOWN AND MAXATAWNY. 21 

9. Robert Labasch.— Died May 6, 1876; aged 78 years, 2 mos., 
3 days. Buried in Pairview cemetery. 

While we write these lines, the life of our esteemed townsman , 
Dr. Chas. A. Gbrash, is hanging in the balance. An able practi- 
tioner of many years standing, he enjoys a high reputation among 
his brethren, for skill in the art of healing. One of the heaviest 
stockholders in the Keystone Normal, for a long time its Treasurer, 
and now one of its most influential members, he is certainly a man, 
over whose loss the whole community would sincerely mourn. We 
hope and pray that his life may be preserved for many years to 
come. 



II. IMilLIT-AJR/X" HISTORY 



The military record of Kutztown and vicinity is a brilliant reflec- 
tion of the great glory that envelopes the military record of the 
whole county. Already in the year of Braddock's defeat, 1775, 
Conrad Weiser was appointed Colonel of a regiment of volunteers 
from Berks. How ably he repelled the incursions of the Indians ; 
how, early in 1776, General Joseph Hiester enrolled a company of 
eighty men, and marched to New Jersey and Long Island, to sup- 
port General Washington ; how, in July, 1776, at Lancaster, Pa., to 
make preparations for the defense of the country, in union with 
fifty-three battalions of the Association of Pennsylvania, were repre- 
sentatives of seven battalions that had been organized in Berks . 
these facts, and many others,are so indelibly written on the pages 
of history that he who runs may read them. Not only in Berks, 
but elsewhere, did our German forefathers distinguish themselves 
by a spirit of self-sacrifice and patriotic devotion to the country. In 
the most critical hour of the Revolution, when Gen. Washington 
appealed for material aid, nine American Germans put into his hands 
21,000 pounds. They were Michael Hillegas, John Steinmetz, 
Abraham Bickley, Joseph Bleivor, Henry Keppel, Fred. C. Hassen- 
clever, Isaac Melcher, Jno. Schaeffer, and Andrew Doz. Let it 
never be forgotten that, during the entire period of the Revolutionary 
War. Michael Hillegas was Treasurer of the United States. 

Prom John Wink, one of the most intelligent citizens of Maxa- 
frawny, we learn that Washington's army marched through Kutz- 
town. Eye-witnesses informed him that it came from Easton, and 
encamped for a time in the valley between the present residence of 
John Kemp, Esq., and the farm of Daniel Zimmerman in Maxa- 
tawny. Washington and his wife were with the soldiers. Mrs. 
Sassaman, for some years gone to the other world, used to delight in 
telling her visitors, that Mrs. Washington, who lodged in the house 
of her father, Joseph Gross, lifted her on her lap, and soothed her 
with caresses On their way from Trenton, by way of Easton, to 
the well-known camp at Reading, the captured Hessians were 
marched through Kutztown. 

It is interesting also to know, that, whilst the battle at German- 
town, 1777, was raging, the thunders of the cannon fell upon the 
<>ars of the inhabitants of Kutztown and vicinity; that, after the 
battle of Brandy wine, 1777, a regiment of the American army, en- 



KUTZTOWN AND MAXATAWNY. 23 

Gamped on the farms now owned by the Hottensteins, and, on 
leaving, impressed the horses and wagons of the people ; and that 
George Kemp, Esq., was one of the wagon masters, who were pres- 
sent at the battle of Germantown. 

On the farm of J. Bieber, Jr., in Maxatawny, stands the Mam- 
moth White Oak of Berks. It may justly be called the Centennial 
White Oak of Pennsylvania. On the 15th of September, 1777, one 
hundred years will have passed by, since the baggage train of Gen. 
Washington's army, on its retreat from the battle-field of German- 
town, sought and found protection under and around this Revolu- 
tionary tree. It is said that two centuries have looked upon this 
oak; and competent judges assure us that it is now sturdy enough 
to defy the storms of another hundred years, and may wave it* 
branches in honor of the Centennial of 1976. One foot above the 
ground, it measures twenty-eight feet in circumference ; and, ten 
feet above it, begin to stretch forth twenty-seven limbs, some of 
which are three feet in diameter. 

In Maxatawny were still living in 1840, the following Revolu- 
tionary pensioners : Henry Grim, aged 75 ; Fred. Bower, 83 ; Jacob 
Wink, 82 ; Philip Noyes, 84 ; Christian Schmick, 76. To this list 
we add the names of Wm. Marx, Sr., and son, William, Casper 
\Vink(buried on Squire Kemp's farm), Jacob Esser, Peter Kutz, 
George Pfister, Peter Wink, Philip ^Wink, and Doldridge. On 
January 7, 1857, died one in Rockland township, Matthias Roth, 
aged 78 years. Rev. M. Knoske preached his funeral sermon from 
Psalms 41, 4. On the last Monday of November 1836, died another, 
Peter Klein' Esq., of Greenwich township, aged 77 years, and was 
buried at Dunkel's church. Revs. Yeager and Herrmann preached 
on this occasion . 

In truth, among the descendants of the German settlers the love 
of country never waned. In the war of 1812, the camp fires burned 
brightly. A single example will suffice to show with what ardor 
the people of this section shouldered the musket against our heredi- 
tary foe. From our venerable friend, father JacobFisher,stlll living 
in Kutztown, now eighty-six years old, whose smiling countenance 
and jolly spirit always drives away the fell spirit of melancholy, we 
learn that, during that war, was raised nere a company which num- 
bered one hundred and thirty men. With Gabriel Old, a Lutheran 
deacon of the Union congregation, as Captaiu, and John Fister. as 
first Lieiih riant, they iett their homes in August, 1814, for the seat 
of war at Baltimore. On their arrival at fie Columbia bridge, in 
Laucaster county, Pa., thirty of this company were taken away to 
till up the ranks ofauother. As they neared York, they heard the 
thunders of the enemies' cannon but their courage waxed the 
stronger. For their services they received no pay, but afterwards a 
yeaiiy pension of ninety-six dollars. Sometimes for three entire 



24 MILITARY RECORD OF 

days they had nothing to eat, and, at night, they slept beneath the 
canopy of the heavens, without any cover except that which the 
night air wore around them. 

Jacob Graff, also a resident of Kutztown, now eighty three years 
old, and a member of this company, confirms the statements just 
given. These two, together with Michael DeLong of Longswamp, 
are the only living survivors of this company. 

The officers of this company were : Gabriel Old, Captain ; John 
Fister, Lieutenant ; Ensign, William Shook ; Sergeants, Rudolph 
Meislin, Isaac Levan, William Graeff, B. Armor; Corporals, Daniel 
Graeflf, Jno. Witman, Jacob Lehman, Jacob Longbieu ; Musiciaus, 
Jonas Freyler and William Marx. 

Of those Tvho volunteered for the Mexican war, in 1845, Lewis 
Brown is the only present survivor. They were enrolled in Capt. 
Leoser's company of Reading, and returned some of them in 1847. 
Among the killed were William Patterson, and two members of the 
Graff family. John Kutz died in Vera Cruz of erysipelas, brought 
on by a wound in one of his fingers. 

When the late Civil war broke out, the inhabitants of this section, 
dropping differences of political opinion.joined together in maintai- 
ning the national supremacy. On the grounds of Fairview cemetery 
now repose the ashes of some, while others sleep beneath the ground 
which they fertilized with their blood. From the family of Elias 
Jackson went as volunteers four sons. Two of them were killed. 
The one, Andrew, belonged to Company .A, Captain Leuhart, of 
Reading, and fell in the battle atFredericksburg, on the 1 sth ofDec, 
1862. The other— Robert— joined the first Pennsylvania Cavalry, 
and met his death at Whitehouse Landing, Va., on June 21st, 1863 
Here he was buried on a farm which once belonged to Major Gen- 
eral Robert Lee. There were also killed Henry Smith, Daniel Hum- 
bert, Frank Humbert, Charles Folk, Marti a Baer.— Among those 
that died of wounds or sickness incurred in the war, were Joseph 
Geiger, Benn. Osewald, Samuel Marx and son, Charles Marx and 
Charles Detweiler. This last named one enlisted in the 4th., Regi 
ment, P. V., September 13, 1852; was wounded at the battle of 
Cedar Creek. Oct. 19, 1864 ; died, March 13, 1865, in Mowers U. S. 
General Hospital, Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia; aged twenty-four 
years, five mouths, and twenty-nine days. 

Dr. Jer. Trexler, one of our ablest physicians, spent two years 
(1863—65) in the service as surgeon of '73 P. V. He went through 
the "hnndred days" fight, marched to the sea, and was twice woun- 
ded. 

Of others who fell into a premature grave, we have not been abl^ 
to glean any trustworthy information. 

From the archives of the Borough we have taken the following 
statement of the expenses incurred in furnishing volunteers and 
filling quotas : — 



KUTZTOWN AND MAXATAWNY. 26 

First Call.— Oct. 6, 1862— Nine men volunteers, $927.33 

" " "June 29 1863— Thirty men, State defence, 150.00 

Second Call.— Feb. 5, 1S64— Seventeen men for quota, 5100.00 

"■ " " Apr. 7, 1864— Four men additional, 1155.00 

Third Call.— Sept. 1864— Fifteen men for quota, 7180.00 

" " '* " " " Two men additional, 400.00 

Fourth Call— March, 1865,— Thirteen men, 3900.00 

Expenses in tilling Third and Fourth Calls, 157.88 

'• " " Fourth Call, 15.00 

Total amount. 19,(905.21 

Of this sum were raised by private subscription $1,810.00, and by 
County bounty $3,000.00 ; the remainder, by the borough. 

The Bounty tax in Maxatawny amounted to $48,000.00 

We must not forget to state that, in addition to the quotas raised 
many others enlisted for the war. 

From this brief sketch of our military record, we infer that the peo- 
ple of this section kuow not only how to guide the plow for the benefit 
of their children, but also how to use the musket for the benefit of 
their country ; and that, in the hour of need, Pennsylvania ca*i 
have recourse to no men more sturdy and valiant than the citizens 
of Kutztowu and Maxatawny. 



III. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 



1.— THE OLD UNION CHURCH. 

It appears to be generally admitted ihatthe old Moselern eongre- 
tion, in Richmond township, was organized in 1760, and that the 
descendants of Wm. Penu endowed it with one hundred acres of 
land. This township was established soon after the erection of 
Berks into a county, (1752), and some years later than Maxatawny. 
In the recoids of the Longswamp Church, it is stated that one 
Michel was its pastor, from 1750—54 ; and, in the Coetral minutes 
of 1771, that he preached prior to this year, in Maxatawny From a 
comparison of these facts we can reasonably infer that the old Union 
church of Maxatawny was organized earlier than the Moselem con- 
gregation, and sometime between 1752 and 1760. It stood on land 
which now belongs partly to Dr. Edward Hottenstein's farm, and 
partly to David Levan's farm. Reuben Bast, of Kutztown, inform 8 
us that his great grandfather appropriated to its use twenty- four 
acres of laud. Its earliest history is wrapped in obscurity- All we 
know certainly is that, prior to the erection of the building in Kutz- 
town, in 1790, its preachers for several years were the Revds. Daniel 
Lehman and John Henry Helfrich. On the 9th of November, 1789 
the present existing congregation was reorganized ; and on the 2ith 
of May, 1799, the corner-stone was laid. At its dedication, Aug. 7, 
1791, were present Rev. Daniel Lehman, Evangelical Lutheran 
preacher, and Rev. John Henry Helfrich, Evangelical Reformed 
preacher. To the day of their death, they continued to be the pastor. 
It must be stated, however, that, whilst Rev. Lehman officiated in 
the Evangelical Trinity Lutheran Church, Reading, from the close 
of 1799 to the close of 1803, Rev. Frederick Ritse served the Luther- 
an portion of the congregation. It is a singular fact that, during 
Ritse's term, no ecclesiastical proceedings, not even the baptisms, 
were recorded. The earliest officers were, on the Lutheran side, 
as Trustees, Jacob Herman, 1789—1801, Jacob Schweirer, 1789, 
Michael Werlein, 1789 ; and, on the Reformed side, George Pfister, 
1789—1839, Jeremiah Kolb, 1789, Peter Christmati, 1789 —1813; — as 
Elders on the Lutheran side. George Kistler, 1791; Peter Mathern, 
1791 ; and on the Reformed side, Nicholas Kieffer, 1791 ; George 
Kemp, 1791; as Deacons on the Lutheran side, M. Bast, 1791; Abra- 
ham Biehl, 1791—95; Nicholas Kutz. 1791 -99 ; Jacob Esser, 1796— 99; 
Johu Bieber, 17991 John Kutz, 1799; Abraham Eerkel, IStO; and 



KUTZTOWN AND MAXATAWNY. 27 

on the Reformed side, Jno. Siegfried, 1791; Simon George, 1791; 
John Levari, Jr., 1791; Phil. Michael, 1795 ; Philip Klein, 1797—98; 
John Funk, 1801. 

In 1812 th.n*e was expressed a desire to complete the building. Up 
to this time, it had cost $3,307. 33£. On the 2d of Jauuary. 1813, it 
became free of debt. In 1816, the building was weather boarded, at 
an expense of $515.98. In this slow way the work went on, till at 
last, in 1842, the new church yard was completed, and, in 1846, the 
new pulpit constructed. The total cost was about $6000. John 
Cunius contracted for the carpentering, and Jacob Humbert, the 
grand father of our townsman, Jno. Humbert, for the frame work. 

The real estate of the congregation consists of seven lots. The 
first three, on the corner of which the building stands, were deeded 
to it, September' 8, 1820, for the consideration of one dollar, by 
Henry Kohler, the owner of them, and the then proprietor of Kutz- 
town. On May 9, 1804, was delivered to it the school lots, Nos. 87 
and 88, for five shillings, by Jacob Herman, Leasee, and afterwards 
one of them for school purposes, gratuitously, by Henry Kohler, 
proprietor as aforesaid. On oue of them must still be paid a yearly 
grouDd rent ef 37i cents, and on lots Nos. 85 and 86, a yearly ground 
rent of 74 cents. These last were purchased from the estate of Jacob 
Baldy, in the name of the congregation, for 120 dollars, by Chris- 
tian Schmick. 

For 86 years the Reformed and Lutheran people worshipped 
Almighty God in this venerable edifice. Now the time had come 
when tbeir interests required on its ruins should be erected a temple 
that would more worthily represent their zeal and devotion in Di- 
vine things. On April 4th 1876, at a meeting of the joint Vestries, 
was passed the following resolution :— "That the question whether 
a New Union Church shall be built, shall be submitted to the mem 
bers of the Lutheran and Reformed congregations of Kutztown, to 
be decided at an election to be held on April 17 ; after service to be 
voted upon with written or printed tickets as follows,— for building 
a New Union Church and against building a New Union Church." 
As officers of the election, which was held between the hours of 
twelve and f>ur, "were appoimed William Bieber, John S. Dunkle, 
Jamea DcTurk, Jonathan Hill, The result was 279 votes for, and 77 
against building. There was immediately appointed a Commitee 
on subscription. — Charles Rahn, Charles Deisher, George Bieber, 
David Schaeffer, Jacob Sunday, (Charles Kutz, Jonathan Bieber, 
John Christman, George Kutz, John Kemp, W. Rahn, Jac. Rahn. 

In their first report they presented the amount of $9129.60. 

In the presence of a great multitude of people, on Whitsunday, 
June 4th, the comer stone was laid. The exercises were continued 
on Whitmonday, 



88 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY OF 

On the morning of Sunday preached Rev. B. S. Smoll, assis- 
ted by Rev. J. S. Herrmann, and the afternoon of the same day, 
Rev. B. Weiss, from Lenbartsville, from the text 1 Cor. 3, 10 — 11. 
Now was laid the cornerstone by Revds. J. 8. Herrmann and B. E. 
Kramlich, assisted by the Elders of the congregation. In it were 
deposited the following articles :— a Bible, a Lutheran and a Hei- 
delberg Catechism, Sacramental Wineand Wafer, the names of the 
officers, Coins, a Silver Half Dollar, donated by Dewalt Kemp, with his 
name and year engraved on it, the Lutheran •'Zeitschrift." the 
Reformed "Hausfreuud," and the "Kutztown Journal ;" — also a 
document containing a resolution that the congregation shall re- 
main Lutheran and Reformed so long as rive members in good 
standing shall desire it. On Monday morning Rev. B- Weiss 
preached.again.and in the afternoon, Rev. D. Humbert of Bowers. 
The old corner-stone was again laid by Rev. J S. Herrmann, who 
also delivered an affecting address. In it were deposited an oldBible, 
presented by Charles Kutz, of Kutztown, an o'd Hymn Book, the 
old Constitutiou of the congregations, with all the names of the of- 
ficers to the present time, a silver Quarter Dollar and a Five Cent 
piece, donated by the old bell-ringer, Charles O'Neal. Rev. Mr. 
Humbert having pronounced the benediction, the people dispersed. 
The plans and specifications of the building were prepared by 
William A. Fink, of Reading, who also superintends its construc- 
tion. 

The present officers, on the Lutheran side, are: Trustees, Wm. 
Bieber, Jon. S. Bieber, Daniel Kohler, Isaac Hottensieiu ; Elders, 
Jacob Sunday, Stanley Schwoyer, Joseph Baily. M. Deysber; 
Deacons, James Heffner, Jacob Kutz, John Hill, Jacob Schwoyei ; 
on the Reformed side, Trustees, Jacob Rahn, John Christman. 
Jacob Wink, David Levan ; Elders, Egidius Butz, HeDry Wagen- 
horst, Nathan Kemp, Isaac Wagenhorst ; Deacous, J. S. Dunkle, 
James DeTurk, Wm. Kutz, and John Miller. 

2 EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN TRINITY CONGREGA- 
TION. • 

About eight years before the demolition of the Union building of 
1790, there began a movement which resulted in the organization of 
an exclusively Lutheran congregation, and the erection of another 
building. This movement was the establishment of a separate 
Lutheran Sunday School, April 24, 1868. At a special meeting of 
the school, Feb. 12, 1874, held to consider the fact that many 
Lutheran members of the Union congregation earnestly desired the 
organization of an exclusively Lutheran church, it was resolved 
that the school would raise $500— towards the erection of a building, 
provided that the basement, or a Chapel-room, be set apart for its 
meetings. A subscription of $3,100 having been obtained, work was 



KUTZTOWN AND MAXATAWNY. 29 

begun in earnest. On August 2d, 1874, the corner-stone was laid, 
and on December 25, 1874, took place the dedication. Including 
the lot, — 144 feet front by 55 in depth. — the whole cost was about 
$6000. Toward the payment of this, the-Sunday School contributed 
the sum of $1400.60. Of this, $264.60 were raised by means of a 
Floral, Fruit, and Fancy Fair, held August 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, of the 
year 1875 ; but the greater part by subscriptions from the school and 
its members. From the time of its completion, the School held its 
sessions in the Chapel ; whilst the Rev. Mr. Spieker preached on 
Sunday at such times as his services were not needed in the 
Union building. 

The members of the Union congregation having determined upon 
erecting a Union church, Rev. Mr. Speaker revsigned, and preached 
his farewell sermon, April 23, 1876. On the following Whitmonday 
he was elected Pastor of Trinity. 

Its present officers are : Trustees, Isaac F. Christ, Daniel Yax- 
theimer, Jacob Hinterleiter, Peter Krause ; Elders, Richard Miller, 
John Humbert, Esq., Danl. Hinterleiter, Sr., Jacob HefFner ; Dea- 
cons, Danl. Springer, Saml. L. Wiltrout, Clinton Bieber, Eugene 
Bieber. The congregation now numbers about 150 members. 

It must also be added that, for some years past Rev. Mr. Spieker 
has been preaching both in German and English. 

3. THE GERMAN METHODIST CONGREGATION. 

On April 12, 1828, at the house of Peter Neff, was preached the 
first Methodist sermon to the people of Kutztown, by Bishop John 
Seybert. From this time on to 1848, preachers of this denomination 
visited this town and vicinity, but, as would seem, without much 
success. Their pious zeal was at last rewarded. In the years 1848, 
'49. and '50, welcomed and encouraged by families, such as the Elys 
and others, they had regular services. In 1850 a lot was bought in 
Kutztown. On it was erected and dedicated a building during the 
same year. The first regular itinerant preachers were the Revs. 
Noah McLane and Isaac Hess. The present pastor is the Rev. 
Andreas Ziegenfus, and the Trustees are Ben.]. Kline, D. B.Schnei- 
der, and Jonas Hoch . 

4. PREACHERS. 

In the section of country, now known as Maxatawny, Long- 
swamp, Greenwich, and some adjacent townships, as also in the 
neighboring districts of Lehigh, from 1734-1771, flourished the reign 
of ecclesiastical vandalism. The original settlers, it is true, were 
pious people, and brought with them from the Fatherland their 
Bibles and Arndt's "Wahres Christenthum;" but, as they and their 
childi'en fell into the hands of ministerial tramps and vagrants, 



80 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY OF 

whose ignorance was equaled only by their immorality, they grad- 
ually lost their respect for religion, and induced a "state of society 
that, in some points, reminds us of the wild habits of the ancient 
Teutons. A single striking example of most of the preachers of 
that period in this section, will give us an insight into the character 
of those who afflicted the people with their beastly vices. 

From Harbaugh's Lives of the 'Fathers of the Reformed Church," 
volume second, page 242, we extract the following : 

"As specimens of these leaders of the people, may be mentioned a 
Mr. Fritz, who, on one occasion, ascended the pulpit of DeLong 
church in a state of beastly intoxication ! He announced his text : 
"If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, take up his 
cross, and follow me." Repeating his text, with emphasis, he lost 
bis balance, and tumbled down the high pulpit stairs, with the last 
words, "follow me," in his mouth ! One of the Elders arose in his 
seat, and earnestly addressing the people, exclaimed, "No brethren, 
we will not follow him!" He was immediately sent away." 

In the old records, mention is made of another vagabond, Philip 
Jacob Michael, founder of Michael's church in Upper Bern, Berks 
Co., Pa., who preached in Longs wamp, 1750-1754, and also in Maxa- 
tawny. It is stated that this man left the church in Maxatawny, 
"in a wretched condition ; it having been ruined by bad ministers, 
most of whom confessed no religion at all." 

1. GERMAN REFORMED PREACHERS. 

\a.) Johaxn Heinrich Helferich, of venerable memory.— 
into the midst of this religious chaos, in 1772, came the Rev. John 
Heinrich Helferich, who, by his practical piety and superior 
talents, gradually dissipated the clouds that had settled on the Re- 
formed denomination. He was born in Mossbach, a village in 
Hesse, near Frankfort-on-the-Mayn, on the 22d of October 1739. 
Having passed through the gymnasium, together with his step- 
brothers, Albert Conrad Helfenstein and Jno. Henry Helfenstein, 
completed a theological course at the University of Heidelberg. 
Licensed on Sept. 22d, 1761, he, with his step-brother, Helfenstein, 
left Amersterdam in June, 1771, and landed in New York, Jan. 
14th, 1772. On the 3d of November, 1773, he married Magdalena 
Sassamanhausen. His charge consisted of the following congrega- 
tions : Kutztown, 1772; DeLong, 1772; Longswamp, 1778; Upper 
Milford, 1779; Trexlertown, 1784; Ziegle Church, 1778; Weissen- 
berg and Lowhill, 1772; Heidelberg, 1772; Lynntown, 1804. The 
ancient records all agree in testifying that he was a superior 
preacher, and illustrated his public teaching by a consistent private 
life ; while in his own house, at the close of the day, he called 
together his family, read the Bible, explained the catechism to his 
children, ami closed with prayer. On the 5th of December, 1810, as 
he was in the act of mounting Ins horse, he was struck with palsy, 



KUTZTOWN AND MAX AT AWN Y. 31 

and died suddenly. On the occasion of his funeral, the Rev. Mr. 
Blumer preached at the house ; and the Rev. Mr. Vandersloot at 
the grave, from the words in Luke XII:37. His ashes repose in the 
Sassamanshausen private family graveyard, in Maxatawny, Berks 
Co. In this county, and in Lehigh, his descendants, who continue 
in their lives the virtues of their ancestor, are among the most 
prominent and influential families. Of them now reside in Kutz- 
town, Dr. John Henry Helferich ; in Lyons, Maxatawny, Benj. 
Helferich; and in Fogelsville, Lehigh Co., Pa., Rev. Dr. W. Hel- 
ferich. 

(6)Rev. Charles Gebder Herrmann. — The Herrmann family is 
eminently an ecclesiastical one. Dr. Lebrecht Frederick Herrmann 
came to this country in August, 1786, and died on the 30th of Jan., 
1848, aged 86 years, 3 months, and 22 days. He prepared for the 
ministry five of his own sons, as also Revs. John Guildin, Benj. S. 
Schneck, Thos. Leinbach, Joseph Dubbs, Peter Fisher, Abraham 
Berge, Rich. Fisher, and David Young. His son, Charles Gebler, 
was born October 24, 1792, in Germantown, where his father offi- 
ciated as a Reformed preacher. Licensed at Harrisburg, Pa., in 
May, 1810, and ordained in the "Swamp Church," by the Revs. 
Pauli and Vandersloot, his first charge consisted of Kutztown and 
and DeLong's congregations. In the former he preached his intro- 
ductory sermon on the 15th of August, 1810. In time his charge 
embraced, in addition to those just mentioned, the following con- 
gregations : Huff, Oley, Windsor, Gernant's, St. Peter's, Dunkel, 
Weis, Zion, Fogel's, Mertztown, and Lehigh. On the 14th day of 
1815, he became the husband of Esther, daughter of Jacob and 
Maria Sassaman. Three daughters and three sons were the fruit of 
this union. He died of dropsy at his residence in Maxatawny, 
Berks Co., Pa., August 4, 1863, aged 70 years, 9 months, and 11 
days. On the 8th of August he was buried in the family grave- 
yard, near his residence.No less than eighteen ministers were present 
at his funeral. At the house the Rev. Dr. J. S. Kessler made an 
address; the Rev. Jos. S. Dubs, D. D., preached the funeral dis- 
course from Luke 11:29, 30 ; and the Rev. Alfred J. G. Dubs eon- 
ducted the burial services. 

One of the earliest visits we ourselves made on our first arrival in 
Maxatawny, was at the house of Father Herrmann. As he had 
united my parents in the bonds of matrimony, we were more than 
anxious to see the venerable man, and hear from his own lips the 
lessons of ripe experience. The remembrance of that visit is still 
green in our memory, and it will fade away only when we our- 
selves shall have faded away in the darkness of death. 

Two striking facts attest the high repute in which he was held br 
this community, and his ministerial co-laborers. No other than a 
man of strong character, of real worth, and of untiring devotion to 



Si ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY OF 

his calling, could have remained for a period of 51 years in his first 
and only charge, and attracted to his funeral eighteen brethren to 
mourn his loss. 
From Harbaugh's Lives of the Fathers, we extract the following : 

"Father Herrmann was a man of superior talent, and of more than 
ordinary speaking capacities. His temperament was ardent, and 
his manner in the pulpit, lively and interesting? Of his children, 
five are still living. Two of them are Reformed preachers. One of 
the daughters is the wife of Dr. John H. Helferich, of Kutztown, 
another, of Rev. Danl. Brendle, of Bethlehem, Northampton Co., 
Pa., and a third, the widow of the late JudgeWilloughby Fogel, of 
Fogelsville, Lehigh Co., Pa." 

(c.) J. Sassaman Herrmann. — Whilst still studying theology . 
in Lawrenceville, Chester Co., Pa., under Dr. L. Frederick Herr- 
mann, Revs. Guldin and Albert Helfenstein, this clergyman 
preached English at St. Vincent's and Brumback's of that county. 
Ordained in Siegfried's church, Maxatawny, Sept. 8, 1835, by the 
Revs. F. E. Vandersloot, A. L. Hermann, and Thos. N. Leinbach, 
he, together with his father, served for eight years sixteen congre- 
gations. In 1844 he became sole pastor of the following : Weiss' , 
Grimsville, Dunkel's, Windsor, St. Peter's, Fleetwood, Huff's, New 
Jerusalem. Under his successful administration, the congregation 
in Kutztown, of which he took charge in June, 1861, grew into the 
present membership of about five hundred souls. 

As already stated, in connection with his laborious duties as a 
pastor, he edited "DerHirt," and along with each number, sent also 
the "Kutztown Advertiser." 

(d.) Alfred J. Herrmann received his literary education in 
the old University of New York city, which belonged in part to the 
Low Dutch church, and his theological, under the tuition of Rev. 
Jno. Guldin. Ordained in Ziegel's church, Weissenburg, Lehigh 
Co., I by the Rev. Father Dubbs and others, he first took charge of 
old Jerusalem, Albany township, Berks Co., and, in no long time, 
also of Seiberlingsville, DeLong's, Zion, Fogelsville, Weissenburg, 
and Topton. For the last twenty-six years, this clergyman has offi- 
ciated, and still continues, in the same charge. In our day when 
congregations, for the most part, change their preachers almost 
every five years, it is certainly to be accounted a singular fact, 
that in this section are clergymen who begin and end their official 
careers in the same circuit of labor. To the praise of such, let this 
observation be noted. During his ministry, down to the present 
time, the Rer. A. J. Hermann founded the congregations at 
Topton and Seiberlingsville, laid six corner-stones, dedicated ten 
churches, buried nine hundred thirty-six persous, married seven 
hundred eighty couple, baptized fifteen hundred sixty souls, and 
confirmed thirteen hundred. 

It is worthy of special mention that, according to their family 



KUTZTOWN AND MAXATAWNY. 3? 

traditions, the Maxatawny Herrmanns are lineal descendants of the 
celebrated Arminius(in German, Herrmann). Under his leadership 
the revolted German tribes surprised the proconsul Varus, and cut 
his army to pieces (A. D. 10). 

2. LUTHERAN PREACHERS. 

(a). Rev. Daniel Lehman —On the 7th of August, 1791, he 
became pastor of the old Union congregation in Kutztown, and died 
October 1, 1810. As already stated, he had charge of Trinity 
church, in Reading, 1778-1782, and in 1797, received the honor of u 
second call from this congregation. His body reposes right in from, 
of the pulpit of Zion's church, Moselem, Richmond township, Berk* 
Co., Pa. Here also he preached for many years. Moselem ha* 
always been noted for its strict adherence to genuine Lutheranism. 
In its rules of very ancient date, it is stated that the preacher "tak- 
ing the Bible as the rule of faith, must explain the Divine word, 
"nach der unveraehderten Augsburgischen Confession und deui 
Lutherischen Catechismus." It is pleasing to know that Rev. Jno. 
Henry Helferich and he were close friends. The former, as he was 
in the act of mounting a horse, to visit the widow of his associate, 
was struck with palsy. They died but two months apart. 

Tradition has it that Rev. Lehman was a man of superior edu- 
cation, and an excellent preacher. When necessary, he knew how 
to administer severe reproof. In his congregation at Grimsville, 
Berks Co., were persons by the name of Odenwalder, who troubled 
him exceedingly. Referring to them in his farewell sermon, he re- 
marked that, aj in the old country they had been notorious inter- 
meddlers, the Devil, thinking that they would be splendid soldiers 
in the infernal camp, tied them up in a sack, and transported 
them across the Ocean, on his way to the "lower regions" ; but. on 
reaching Albany township, finding that their struggles and kicking 
were "too much" for his Satanic majesty, he dropped them in the 
vicinity of Grimsville. 

(6.) Rev. John Knoske. — From documents kindly furnished us 
by Revs. S. K. Brobst, of Allentown, the able editor of the "Lu- 
therische Zeitschrift," and F. G. F. Schantz, Lutheran clergyman 
at Myerstown, Pa., we have gleaned what follows. 

The Rev. John Knoske was born June 24, 1779, in Herrenstadt, 
Schleswig. Obeying the summons of the King of Prussia to enter 
the royal service, his father removed to Berlin. Here the son com- 
pleted his classical education in the best schools of that city ; and, 
in due time, was confirmed a member of the Trinity Lutheran 
church. Several of his earlier years he spent in Odensen and Co- 
penhagen, Denmark, and acquired a thorough knowledge of the 
Danish language. At the outbreak of the war between England 
and Denmark, Mr. Knoske left the country, and landed at Boston. 



;{4 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY OF 

May 1, 1801. In Philadelphia he met with kindred souls in the 
persons of Revs. Helmuth, Schmidt, Schafer, Sehultz. In 1802 he 
preached in that section of Berks which now forms a part of Schuyl- 
kill county. To Elizabeth, daughter of William and Magdalena 
Koch, he was married July 1, 1806, and lived with her a happy life 
tifty -three years. Soon after the death ot Rev. Daniel Lehman, he 
became his successor; and from 1811 to March, 1856, lived in Kutz- 
town. Here, as he himself wrote, he preached "unter vielen Amts- 
Freuden und aueh grossen Amts-Leiden." His failing health no 
longer permitting him to bear the burdens of the ministry, he 
moved to Reading, Pa. In that city he lived three years. Secluded 
from the din und the bustle of the world, he now spent his time 
chiefly in preparing himself for a happy departure from time into 
eternity. His hour came. In the Charles Evans cemetery in Read- 
ing, September 28, 1859, he was buried. At his funeral were present 
the Revs. F. J. F. Schantz, T. T. Iaeger, A. S. Leinbach, S. K. 
Brobst, G. A. Hinterleitner, R. S. Wagner, H. Grahn, Dr. Valen- 
tine, C. F. McCauley, Erasmus Helferich. Aged 80 years, 3 mos. 

A few months before his death, Father Knoske had written his 
own funeral sermon, and selected the hymn to be sung. The Rev. 
Mr. Schantz read the former,and the Rev. Mr. Leinbach announced 
the latter from the German Lutheran book of hymns (391, v.7.10). 
Of the sermon we subjoin the following extract : 

"Wer selig ist auf seinem Sterbebette." 

"Wean ihr so wollt, so moegt ihr esals meine mir selbstgehaltene 
Leichenpredigt ansehen, denn ich schreibe es #nit einem sehr 
geruehrten Herzen unter Gebet und Flehen zu Gott. 

Mein Text ist Roemer 4.8. 

"Selig ist der Mann, welchem Gottkeine Suende zurechnet." 

Wier haben zwei Stuecke zu erwaegen : 

lstens — Welchen Menschen rechnetGott keine Suende zu? — und 

2tens — Wie ist ihr Zustand auf dem Sterbebette?" 

We append an extract from Father Kno*ke's diary for the years 
1802—1849. This was drawn up by his own hands. 



Trs. Congreg'n- 


Bapt'd. 


Coaflr'd. 


Comm't. 


Mar'd. 


Bur'd 


1802—11 


5 


1077 


354 


3004 


190 


18i 


1811-21 


8 


2356 


1102 


11689 


438 


503 


1821-31 


6 


1815 


811 


9256 


435 


558 


1831-40 


5 


1062 


592 


6204 


•20 


295 


1840—49 


2 


70 


ISO 


250 


38 


38 



Total, 26 6+10 2980 30473 1318 1578 

From this table our readers ean form some idea of the ministerial 
work he performed. From 1849 to 1859 he often preached, but took 
harge ofn o congregations. Down to the time of his death he had 

ffioiahd in i lie ministrj' fifty seven years. Of his surviving chil- 
dren his son Edward is now engaged i l business at Bower's station. 



KUTZTOWN AND MAXATAWNY. 35 

Maxatawny, Berks Co., Pa. The people of Kutztown and vicinity 
.still bear him in affectionate remembrance. He excelled in pulpit 
oratory. So powerful was his eloquence, and the matter of his ser- 
mons so interesting, that his hearers often listened with unabated 
interest to discourses which consumed two hours in their delivery, 

(c.) Rev. Daniel Kohler began and completed his studies 
in the Theological Seminary at Gettysburg. Elected, June 21, 1839, 
pastor of the congregation in Kutztown, he preached his introduc- 
tory sermon, August 18, 1839, from the text in Ezekiel 3, 18—21. 
Died at his residence in Maxatawny, May 17. 1876, aud was buried 
in the grave yard of Siegfried's church. Rev. B. E. Kramlieh 
preached his funeral sermon. Aged sixty-nine years, three months 
and nineteen days 

In addition to his gifts as a preacher, it is said that he possessed 
an extraordinary memory. As one of the Directors of Maxatawny, 
he manifested an abiding interest in the cause ot education. To 
him the township owes some of the most valuable improvements in 
its common schools. 

(d.) J. C. Smith.— This clergyman is a native of Kutztown, and, 
as the successer of Rev. Kohler, preached in our borough about 
three years. Graduated at Gettysburg both in the College and Semi- 
nary. He now officiates in New Mahonoy, Schuylkill Co., Pa., and 
is regarded as an able and successful preacher. Jno. Humbert, Esq., 
informs us that he has completed a work on "Mechanical Mathema- 
tics,'' ami that he intends to publish it. His sister, Mrs. Mary 
Zimmerman, resides in our town. 

|e.)G. A. Hinterleiter. — "In dem lieben Deutschland war ich 
geboren uud zwar in Weissenburg am Sand Bayern," — onus writes 
this highly esteemed clergyman. Having completed his studies in 
the Fatherland, he left his native country and landed in New York 
in 1819. In 1851 he became a member of the German Evangelical 
Lutheran Synod of Pennsylvania. About the middle of February, 
1852, he took charge of the Lutheran congregation in Kutztown, 
In no long time he also became the Pastor of the churches in Lo- 
bachsville, Oley and Friedensburg. In our borough he preached 
during a period of fourteen years and a half. In 1863, contrary to 
his wishes, he was elected Professor of German in the College and 
Seminary at Gettysburg, but, after mature deliberation, declined the 
position. Meanwhile, the Fvangelical Trinity congregation at 
Pottsville, Schuylkill Co., Pa., tendered him a call. This he accep- 
ted, and, having preached his farewell sermon in Kutztown, July 
1866 moved to that place. 

If this brother had not so earnestly charged us not to say a word 
iu his praise, we certainly would indulge in a merited panegyric on 
his superior scholarship, his fine historical culture, his brilliant 
imagination, and that warm hearted Gemuethliehkeit which makes 



86 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY OF 

him a man in whom is realized the beautiful saying of Terence, 
''Nihil humani a me alierum puto." 

(/.) Geokge F. Spieker.— A native of Howard county, Md., 
after having completed his literary education in Baltimore City 
College, he pursued his theological studies in the Lutheran semina- 
ries at Gettysburg and Philadelphia. Ordaioed to the ministry 
June 19, 1867, he became Pastor of the Lutheran congregation at 
Kutztowu, June 30, 1867. In this capacity he served nearly nine 
years. As already stated, Trhen the Union congregation of our bor- 
ough resolved to continue its old organization, he resigned, and was 
elected, June 4, 1876, Pastor of Trinity Lutheran ehnreh. He has 
also charge ot the congregations at Moselem and Pricetown. 

His wife is the daughter of Mr. William Hoch, agencleman of the 
highest character, and one of the best citizens of Maxatawuy. 

At different periods Mr. Spieker acted in Penna. College, Gettys- 
burg, as Professor of the German language and literature, and filled 
a similar situation for one year in the Keystone Normal Scliool 
He was also elected to the same position in Muhlenburg College, 
AUentown, Lehigh Co., Pa., but declined the call. At the last con- 
vention of the Lutheran Ministerium of Penua., held in Reading, 
June 11, 1876, he was chosen German secretary of that body. These 
facts sufficiently indicate the high reputation which thio clergyman 
enjoys not only among his ministerial brethern, but in the commu- 
nity at large. No words from our pen could add to his praise. 

(g.) Isaac Roeller.— This clergyman is a native of Montgomery 
Co., Pa., but, as he has spent the greater part of his life in Berks, 
we claim him as one of our citizens. Years ago, before Theological 
seminaries were established, young men received tneir training from 
the older preachers. Many of our most distinguished clergymen 
still believe that this plan for the education ot ministers is a better 
and more practical one than that which now prevails. Haviug com- 
pleted his studies under Rev. Dr. Jacob Miller, a Lutheran divine of 
eminent abilities, he was licensed June 17, 1829, by the German 
Evangelical Ministerium of Pennsylvania. His first chargs consis- 
ted of the congregations at Moselem, Huff's and Longswamp, Berks 
county, Pa. At different times he also officiated at Jerusalem, 
Maxatawny, Mertz's, Friedensburg, Oley, in this county, and at 
Fogelsville, in Lehigh Co., Pa. From the time of his license he 
lived in Berks. In 1833 he moved to Kutztown, and resided in the 
borough four years. He now lives in Maxatawny in an elegant 
mansion, which he built in 1836. During thirty years of his life, be 
has officiated as a Lutheran clergyman. 

Rev. Mr. Roeller is a gentlemen of cultured taste, and abounds in 
theological lore. Even in temper and genial in disposition, he pos- 
sesses a generous heart which makes a visitor feel at home and hap* 
py in his company. We take this opportunity of returning him and 



KUTZTOWN AND MAXATAWNY. 3? 

his good wife our thanks for the many acts of kindness we have 
received at their ha«ds. 

(h.) B. E Kramlich.— Graduated 1856 in Pennsylvania College 
Gettysburg, Adams Co., Pa. In 1838 completed his studies in the 
Theological Seminary of the same place ; licensed the same year, at 
York, by the West Pennsylvania Synod ; and ordained at Lebanon, 
Pa., by the Minislerium of Pennsylvania, he was elected Pastor of 
the congregations formerly served by Rev. Mr. Roeller, namely :— 
Moselem, Maxatawny, Rockland. Mertztown, Hereford, Fleetwood, 
and Trexlertown. In addition to his regular charge he also officia- 
ted, at different periods, in Shoemakersville, Mohrsville, and oth- 
er places. It is a fact worthy of special mention that, in all 
these congregations, at the time of his election, three votes only 
were cast against him. During the past sixteen years of his minis* 
try, he has preached about sixteen hundred sermons, officiated at 
nearly eight hundred funerals, married four hundred and eighty-six 
couples, baptized nine hundred and thirty persons, and confirmed 
nine hundred and fifty one. His present charge consists of Trexler* 
town, Maxatawny, Mertztown, Fleetwood and Rockland. He 
formerly resided in Kutztown, but a year ago became a citizen of 
Maxatawny. 

Mr. Kramlich is not only an able preacher, but is also one of our 
most useful inhabitants. When the Keystone Normal enterprise 
was inaugurated, he was one of the principal agents in pushing it 
forward to a successfnl completion. Sometimes as President of the 
Board of Trustees, and sometimes as C.iairmaa of various Commit- 
tees, he has always shown a deep interest in the cause of education. 
His conversational address makes him an agreeable companion ; 
his energetic oratory, a popular preacher ; whilst his genial spirit 
endears him to a large circle of friends. May his shadow never 
grow less ! 

(t.) Alfred D. Croll. — From the "Reading Times and Dis- 
patch," of June 21, 1876, we gather the following information : 

"On Monday morning, June 19 1876, died this much beloved 
clergyman. He was born in Albany township, but virtually raised 
in Maxatawny. Having graduated in Penna. College, at Gettys- 
burg, he completed his studies in the Theological Seminary at the 
same place. Ordained by the old Penna. Synod, he received a call 
to the DeLong's congregation at Bowers', which he served for a 
number of years. About ten years ago he became connected with 
the Eastern Penna. Synod. At the time of his death he was the 
regular pastor of the following congregations : Lyons, Pleasantville, 
Millerstown. Lehigh Co. ; Mohrsville, and one in Hereford twp. He 
was afflicted with bronchitis, which terminated finally in consump- 
tion. Aged thirty. seven years. At his funeral officiated the Revs. 
J. F. Reinmund of Lebanon, and J. M. Ditzler, of Annville, Pa. His 
remains were interred in the cemetery attached to the church in 
Lyons." 

5. SUNDAY SCHOOLS. 

About fifty years ago, under the name of the "Kutztown Sunday 



38 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY OF 

School Union," was organized the first Sunday School. It occupied 
an independent position. Prior to that time religious instruction 
was imparted to the young by the preachers, and, during the 
summer, on the Lord's Day, by the organists who also taught the 
daily parochial school. In the fatherland it was, and still is the 
custom, that, on every Sunday afternoon, to the children, assembled 
in the church, was explained the catechism by the preacher. But, 
as the pastors here were overburdened with work, it became neces- 
sary that what is now known as the Sunday School, should be 
organized. The opposition to it, which at first was stout, soon gave 
way. Soon, in addition to the one just mentioned, were established 
Che "German Reformed and Lutheran Sunday School/' and the 
'German Reformed Sunday School." Thus, at one time,three schools 
vied with one another in training up the children in the way which 
they sought to go. The last named school having drained the first 
one named of its members, on April 24, 1868, there was' established 
in place of the ''German Reformed and Lutheran Sunday School," 
an exclusively Lutheran one. Of the latter the first Supt. was. E. 
D. Bieber, who also now fills the same office. 

The first Union Sunday School— Reformed and Lutheran,— wa 8 
organized by Rev. J. S. Herrmann, who also, for a number of 
years, acted as Supt. Even before he became pastor in Kutztown, 
he had taken a deep interest in the religious education of the young. 

Of those who either superintended or taught Sunday Schools in 
our borough, we name Augustus F. Boas, Esq., now of Reading, 
. and Cashier of the "Savings Bank in that city, David Neff, Wm. 
Mason, Miss Ella Davis, now wife of Rev. Henry Miller, a Lu- 
theran preacher, and Miss Maiy Miller, now the wife of Dr. 
Schlouch, of South Easton,Pa. ; — and lait.Jbut by no means least, Mr. 
John G. Wink, a veteran in the service, who, during a period of 
fifty years, has, in various ways, been connected with Sunday 
Schools, and from 1846-1857, presided over the Reformed school of 
this town. 

The second Sunday School Union, of Kutztown, was organized 
May 26, 1851, by the Evangelical German Methodist Association. 
Its first Superintendent was Elias Hoch. Its present officers are 
John G. Wink, Sup't., H. S. Mohr, Asst. Sup't., Treasurer and 
Secretary, D. B. Snyder, Librarian, F. Reppert. 

Of the German Reformed School, as a separate organization, 
Allen Hottenstein, Esq., was the first Sup't. It is now under the 
able management of Prof. J. G. Neff, and numbers about 150 
scholars. 

From the above statement it will be seen that, in the borough, 
there are now three Sunday Schools, while, in Maxatawny, gen- 
erally in connection with the churches, similar schools are in suc- 
cessful operation. 



IV. EDUCATIONAL HISTORY. 



1. —EARLIEST CONDITION AND EFFORTS. 

The earliest records agree in testifyingth at the masses of the fins 
xettlers in the eastern section of Pa. were low in the scale of edu- 
cation and higher culture. In a MSS., dated 1755, in the Franklin 
Library in Philadelphia, Mr. Samuel Wharton, while expressing 
his fear of the great evils that might flow from the influence of the 
Germans at the polls, speaks of their "stubborn genius and igno- 
rance." As an offset to this, we quote the words of Gov. Thomas 
who, in 1738, writes of the German Palatines, "I believe it may 
truthfully be said, that the present nourishing condition of this 
Province, is in a great measure owing to the industry of these 
people." 

Now, whilst we admit that, in higher culture, our German fore- 
fathers were in a backward state, we do not admire the cynical and 
haughty spirit which the first English settlers generally evinced 
towards them. Indeed, from these comparatively few Englishmen 
has come down, even to our time, that overweening air of superiority 
which their descendants not unfrequently show to the German 
population of our day. 

Many reasons might be stated to account for the fact that the Ger- 
tnau settlers were not high up in the scale of literature. In their 
native land were not yet effaced the traces of theThirty Years' War, 
which had changed their country almost into a wilderness. During 
that unhappy period, men had grown to be so scarce, that the 
women were compelled to undertake the most crushing employ- 
ments, such for example, as the shoeing of horses. At a later period 
French invasions desolated the land, and inflicted on the Palati- 
nate untold miseries. Nor had the German nationality yet come 
to its bloom. So little interest did the petty sovereigns of a divided 
Germany take in their subjects, that during our Revolutionary war 
some of them allowed England to turn their provinces into a re- 
cruiting ground, and force unwilling men to cross the Atlantic and 
tight against us. If in those early days, the German masses had 
been as well educated at home, as they are in our day, our English 
colonists would have had no reason for complaint. We risk nothing 
in asserting that, during the period of emigration, the English 
masses at home were not higher in general culture, than the Ger- 
man masses in their homes. Even as late as 1841, C. Edward Lester 
in his "Glory and Shame of England," says, "Show me a very 



40 EDUCATIONAL AISTORY OF 

[earned man in England, and I will show you some thousands 
around him to match the spectacle, who cannot read the Bible, nor 
write their names," and it is a known fact that, now in the year 
1876, whilst Germany ranks among the highest in a Common 
School education, England stands among the lowest. Besides, it 
must not be forgotten that, as the policy of Queen Anne was to 
keep her own people at home, and to induce strangers from other 
lands to people her colonies, the ignorant masses of England had no 
Chance to show their want of culture in the New World ; whilst of 
(the comparatively few who did come over from England, some 
sought room for greater liberty of conduct and opinion, but many of 
them were office-hunters, and aimed simply to increase their 
possessions. Moreover, from the fact that a new country needs 
hardy men, whose arms can wield the mattock and the maul, fell 
the majestic oak and the towering hickory, — and hardy women, 
whose robust bodies can undergo the pains and fatigues of the 
family, and bless the world with stalwart citizens,— from this the 
philosopher of history may perhaps rejoice that sedentary habits, 
such as an intellectual life begets, had not enervated the great majori- 
ty of the original settlers. 

But if the lirst records speak of the backward state of the German 
masses, Iney also speak very distinctly of the commanding abilities 
Of the German leaders. As an example ou the Lutheran wide, we 
Cite Rev. Heniy Melehior Muhlenberg, who came over in 17+2. He 
was well versed iu Greek and Hebrew, and spoke English, German, 
French, Latin, and Swedish. On the Reformed side, we make 
mention of Revds. George Michael Weiss and John Peter M'ller. 
who came over in 1726—27. Rev. Jedediah Andrews, in a letter 
dated August 14, 1730, says of the latter, "He is an extraordioary 
person for sense and learning," and of them both, that they speak 
Latin as well as we do our vernacular tongue. Nine tenths of the 
earliest preachers who crossed the Atlantic for these shores, were 
men who had received a thorough education at home. The grand- 
father of the Maxatawny Herrmanns completed his theology at the 
University at Halle; the eider Helferich and the Helfensteins, at 
the University of Heidelberg ; and Philip Reinhold Pauli, who came 
over in 1783, at the Universities of Halle and Leipsig. 

How earnestly both Reformed and Lutheran preachers, during 
the earliest periods, labored to elevate the standard of education ; 
how by letter they importuned their friends in the Fatherland to 
aend on money and works; and how by crossing the ocean, they in 
person pleaded the cause of their poor brethern in the colonies ; how 
they interested not only influential Germans on the Continent, but 
Englishmen also of the highest distinction, to establish Societies for 
the diffusion of knowledge in the New World ; how Rev. Mr. 
Schlatter collected funds in Europe which now form a part of the 



KUTZTOWN AND MAXA.TAWNY. 41 

endowment of Franklin and Marshall College, at Lancaster : all 
this ami much more we must pass by, and turn our attention to what 
more directly concerns ojr own community. 

The original founders of the Reformed and Lutheran denomina- 
tions held that the true idea of education required that the youug 
should be taught not only how to read and write and cipher, but 
also how to pray, and how to exercise themselves in habits of per- 
sonal piety. They vehemently protested against the separation of 
a religious from a secular education, and, if the alternative had been 
presented, would cheerfully have sacrificed the latter on the altar of 
the former. From Luther has come down to us the maxim, "Bene 
orasse est bene studuisse." This adage, in all its application-?, may 
be taken as an epitome of the educational view which controlled the 
actions of the first German settlers. At home, in the Fatherland, 
every congregation wai regarded as an ecclesiastical corporation, 
whose duty it was to provide for the training of the young. The 
pastors, accordingly, established parochial school*, and set over them 
teachers, who, in addition to the needed secular branches, taught 
also Christian doctrine, and played the orgau du.ing Divine service 
Such teachers received not only a stated salary, but also house ac- 
commodations for their families aud schools. The rich were requir 
ed to pay a certain sum for the education of their children, while 
the children of the poor were taught free of charge. 

In the earliest effoits for the elevation of the German colonists, 
these educational views were treated with high regard'. In 1751 
through the exertions of Mr. Schlatter for the diffusion of knowl 
edge among the Germans, was formed a Society in England. To 
this^His majesty himself subscribed one thousand pounds. Among 
its rules we find, that the children, English and German, shall be in 
structed in catechism of sound doctrine approved of by their own 
parents and ministers, and that the several catechisms now taught 
among theCalvanists, Lutherans and other protestant denominations 
will be printed in English and German." Of those schools the 
Rev. Michael Schlatter, a Reformed preacher, was appointed Visitor 
or Supervisor. 

To these primitive traditions the members of the Union congre- 
gation of Kutztown and Maxatawny faithfully adhered. In the 
Rules which they framed on Nov. 9, 1789, it is stated, that as the 
education of the young in reading, writing, and other branches, is of 
the highest importance, there shall be built as soon as possible a 
schoolhouse ; that the schoolhouse shall "be located near to the 
church ; that when built, there shall be elected a man who is not 
only competent to teach and to sing, but also bears a good mora) 
character ; that the preachers, elders, and deacons shall have a care 
that in the school prevails good order, that each child receives 
proper attention, and that no partiality be shown. 



42 EDUCATIONAL HISTORY OF 

The schoolhouse was built 1804-1805. Its first Trustees were 
Jacob Levan, Jr., Jacob Kutz, Jr., Henry Heist, Jno. Bieber, Jr. 
The Trustees had charge of the schoolhouse. and were required to 
bold quarterly examinations of the pupils, in presence of the teach- 
er, and with the co-operation of the preachers, elders, and deacons. 
The teacher lived in the building. $is duties were to lead the 
singing in church, to play the organ, to teach the children how to 
pray, to spell, to read, to write, to sing, to cipher ; also, during the 
summer, on the Sundays when there was no divine service, Kinder- 
lehre zu halten, and from time to time to confer with the Trustees. 

On May 15, 1805, it was resolved, that in the schoolhouse there 
should be a room for the accommodation of an English teacher ; that 
the following autumn there should be employed one who bore a 
good character, and who could instruct well in speaking, reading, 
writing, and ciphering ; and that the Trustees shall have a care that 
there be English teaching at least every winter. 

2. THE FRANKLIN ACADEMY. 

In the educational progress of Kutztown and Maxatawny came a 
•period which desiredspecial mention. Thus far no provisions had 
been made for those who deserved to widen their knowledge beyond 
reading, writing, and ciphering. If the religious leaders of the peo- 
ple had made arrangements to gratify the wish for a more extensive 
secular education than that originally prescribed by the church rules 
there is reason to believe that they would have not only retained, but 
increased their educational influence over the public. This was now 
beginning to wane In 1836, there was formed in Kutztown an As- 
sociation which led to the establishment of the "Franklin Acade- 
my." This, of course, stood under the protection of no particular 
denomination, but of the public in general. In it were taught not 
only the Rudiments, but also Geography, History, Composition, 
Declamation, Book-Keeping, Geometry, Surveying, &c. Thus was 
drawn in this section the first line of separation between secular 
and religious education, and the first attempt made to withdraw 
from the clergy the sole direction of the schools. From an adver. 
tisement in the "Neutralist", August 21, 1836, by Daniel Bieber, 
Secretary of the Association, we learn that, in order, to furnish 
better accommodations, the Association had just erected a new 
building which would be opened for students on the following 
September 1 : that the number of scholars was limitad to thirty three; 
that no pupil would be received for a less time than six months ; 
and that the terms for this period were ten dollars. 

In order to draw the annual appropriation of $400, which the 
State offered to an Academy that had on its roll twenty-five studens, 
The Franklin was incorporated in 1838. Tts first Trustees were 



KUTZTOWN AND MAXATAWNY. 43 

Daniel B. Kutz, Daniel Bieber, Col. John Wanner, David Kutz, 
Dr. C. L. Schlemm, David Deisher, and Henry HefTner. Among 
its teachers were Alex. Ramsey, Rev. Chas. Lukens, Messrs. Mur- 
phy, Wanner, Kohler, Hill, Bitler,Salter, and Woodbury. Its first 
teacher, Alex. Ramsey, emigrated to Minnesota, and in time be- 
came Governor of the State, and its representative for several terms 
in the United States Senate. On invitation of the Keystone Agri- 
cultural Society, Senator Ramsey visited Kutztown, October, 1874, 
and delivered an able and eloquent Address. 

3. THE COMMON SCHOOL LAW. 

This tendency to withdraw education from the supreme control of 
the clergy was not confined to Kutztown and Maxatawny, but 
cropped out in every section of our country. It bloomed into ripe 
fruit in the passage by the Legislature of Pa., April 1, 1834, of the 
Common School Law. Now began a fierce conflict between the 
advocates of the educational theory our forefathers brought over 
from the Fatherland, and the advocates of a purely secular theory. 
That the child "belongs first of all to God, as its Creator ; secondly, 
to the parents, as being second causes of the child; and thirdly, to 
the State, as guardian and protector of the temporal interests of the 
family and society, but to the State only in the way of subordina- 
tion to parental and divine rights"; that to every religious society 
belonged the right of prescribing what education should be given to 
its baptized children ; and that parents could not be forced against 
their consciences to send their children to any school that did not 
meet with their approval ; — this in general was the educational 
theory that prevailed among our original German settlers.The State 
now stepped forward and declared that, whilst it pretended not to 
interfere with the religious freedom of the people, it desired that in 
every county there should be supported by taxation a system of 
schools, in which a solid elementary instruction in the secular 
branches might be imparted to every child in its broad domain. 

In the conflict which ensued, the State gained the victory. Under 
the circumstances, a different result was not to be expected. The 
descendants of our forefathers were not true to their own principlet. 
They allowed their theory of education to become a dead letter, 
whilst their religious leaders failed to discern the intellectual wants 
of the times, and made no provision for the evergrowing desire of 
the young for a more liberal education than that which mere 
'Writing, Reading, and Ciphering," implied. If both people and 
preachers had co-oporated in the establishment of such schools. as 
would have fairly represented the progress of culture, and met the 
needs of the hour, there is every reason to believe that the State 

would have encouraged their efforts, and allowed them full scope for 
the working out of their educational plans. The time for such 



44 EDUCATIONAL HISTORY OF 

broad action had passed by. Already defeated within their own 
fortress, through their own supineness and want of discernment, 
and by reason of their failure to carry out their own system when 
things were wholly in their own hands, preachers and people went 
into the battle only to be utterly routed, and driven off the field. 

Now carne to pass a complete divorce of secular from religious edu- 
cation, and the religious societies no longer held the reius of power 
over their own children. For some years the battle against the 
Common School law raged furiously in Berks county. Only the 
most inveterate prejudice will continue to assert that the people of 
this county are or ever were opposed to education as suon. The 
passage of the school law suddenly woke them out of their lethargy ; 
and they opened their eyes to see at oue tall view, as they supposed 
that the educational views and practices of their fathers, that the 
ecclesiastical traditions of th^ir past history, that their natural and 
parental rights, that their view of the Church as a society divinely 
established for the education of their children, were now seriously 
threatened. For these reasons they rose up in opposition against 
the scheme prepared by the state. Justly did the Hon. H. A. Muh- 
lenberg, in a letter to the working men of Philadelphia, dat^d Jan- 
uary 2d, 1836, say "The Germans of our State are not opposed to 
education as such, but only to any system that to them seems to 
trench on their parental and natural rights. '* Animated with these 
feelings, it is not to be wondered at that the people of Kutztown and 
Maxar.awny waged stout war against the School law. At a meeting 
held in the Court house, in Reading, to consider the School Act, 
at which twenty-five townships were represented by delegates, but 
one, Elias Moore, of Caernarvon,— voted to accept it. At an election 
for School Directors, March 18, 1836, in Kutztown. were chosen 
Daniel Bieber, Daniel Graff, Daniel B. Kutz, and Jon. S. Grim. 
These all, as also thooe selected in adjacent townships, were kuowu 
to be againstthe accepting of the School law. At a convention of 
School Directors in Reading, May 2, 1836, it appeared :hat, of the 
50 Districts in the couuty, Reading, Womelsdorf, Caenarvon, Robe 
son, Ruscombmanor, and Union had accepted the Law. Jacob 
Humbert, who Wjis delegate from Kutztown, voted against accep- 
ting it, as also Samuel Fegely, from Maxatawny. 

That the best men of Kutztown were alive to the literary interest 
of this section of the county, is clearly proved by the following in- 
teresting fact. There existed in Reading in 1836 a Young Men's 
Institute. Its Board consisted of George D. B. Keim, Isaac Hiester, 
Jno. P. Hiester, George M. Keim, Wm. Eraaentrout,Sr.,and others, 
who passed a resolution, inviting the several townships of Berks to 
send two Delegates to a convention to be held in Reading, May 14, 
L836. The object of this convention was to establish Lyceums in 
every district in the county for the purpose of forming cabinets of 



KUTZTOWN AND MAXATAWNY. 46 

native minerals, plants and other productions. At a meeting con- 
vened at the house of David Fister, May 5, 1836, to consider this sub- 
ject, there were appointed to draw up resolutions, John Fister, Dr 
C. L. Schlemrn, Dr Reuben Haines, Alexander Ramsey, Chas. R. 
Sander, and Jnu. Baer. Iu these were expressed the deepest interest 
in the progress of the arts and sciences, and Alex. Ramsey and Dr o 
Haines appointed Delegates to attend the convention in Reading. 
What came of this movement history has not deigued t<) transmit 
to future generations. 

In the year 1842 Kutztown accepted the Common School System. 
Ou the grouad where now stands the present building was erected 
the first school house by David Levan. On the ruins of this, under 
the supervision of the Directors, Hon. H. H. Schwartz, Dr. Chas. A. 
Gerasch, A. Manderbacb. Aug. Sprenger and H. F. Bickel, in 1862 
at a cost of $3300,00, was built the house which now ornaments the 
borough. In it taught, at different periods, J. B. Van Scht-e z, Wm. 
Detweikr. Jno. G. Wink, Aug. Wink, Dr Ed. Bieber, Wm. Kel 
ley, George Shinn, J. Vansickle, Jno. Humbert, George Hertzell, 
R. T. Barnville, Jas. M. Gehr, Jacob Humbert. J. K. Steven, G. 
W. Long, Dan. E. Schoedler, Allen Hottensteio, Lew Waaner, 
Thos. A. Strasser, P S. Umbenhauer, Eugene D. Bieber, L. F. 
Sprenger, Irwin W. Bieber, Zach. C. Hoch, W. W. Kistler, Jas. H. 
Marx. Of the femile teachers we name the Misses Lizzie Got- 
waltz, Jennie Beckhardt, Susan Hall, Lizzie Neff, Mary Barclay, 
Sallie Sprenger, Sallie Strasser, Louisa Mohr, Mary Wink, Annie 
Knouse. 

For the year ending June 1876, the term of instruction was eiajht 
months; and the salary of High School teacher, $5b.00, Male Assis • 
tauts,$40.00,and the female teacher,$3 ).00 each per month. The Cen • 
tsnuial teachers are Jas. H. Marx, Esq., Principal, Win. Traub, 1st 
assistant, Lafayette Lesher, 2d, assistant, and Miss Annie Knause. 
lady teacher. The Centenuial Directors are: President, John B. 
Christman; John Humbert, Esq., Secretary ; Henry Biehlj Treasu- 
rer ; W. Sanders, W. Schoedler, Isaac K. Rahu. For the year 
ending June 1, 1876, School Finances as follows, — income, $1544.79, 
expenditures, $14j7.64, balance in trea&urry, $137 05, State appropri- 
ation, $271.66. Number of pupils for 1876, 127 males, 110 females. 

In 1852 Maxatawuy accepted the Common School System. Its 
Board was organized May 16, 1852, at the house of David A. Hotten- 
stein. The first Directors were Samuel Kutz, Dan. Hinterleiter, 
Samuel Bernhart. Peter Deysher, Henry Wagenhorst, and Henry 
Hefluer. At the first examination, held Oct. 8,1852, the Board was 
assisted by J. B. VauScheetz. Certificates were granted to Jacob 
Gehr, Benn. Stimmel, Jno. Humbert, Esq., and Jonas Hoch ; on 
Oct. 23, 1851, to Wm Levan, Isaac Fisher,Saml. Bernet; on Nov. 13, 
. 1852, to Mr. Fisher and Benjamin Dornblaser. At the present 



46 EDUCATIONAL HISTOBY OF 

time, in the township are fifteen schools. Number of pupils, 386 
males, aud 285 females. Finances for the year ending June 1, 1876 • 
income, $6058.06, including state appropriation] of $497.55 ; expendi- 
tures, $6058.00; due the Treasurer, Lewis B Butz, $6 90 Term of 
teaching, five months ; salary, $35.00 per month. In 1876, at Lyons, 
was erected a new school house at a cost of $1247.00. For the same 
year were collected for school purposes taxes to the amount of 
$2782.35 and for buiUing.$2138.35. The present Directors are: Jon.S. 

Bieber, Nathan Kemp, Hem y Hamsher, Jeff*. C Hoch, Dan. Bie- 

her, Jacob Merkel. 

4. FAIBVIEW SEMINARY, AND MAXATAWNY SEMINARY. 

Though the Common Schooi system was established in our 
borough in 1842, there were many of our citizens who desired an 
education for their children higher than that which it imparted. 
Accordingly, at the earnest solicitation of Mr. Jno.G-. Wink, in 1847, 
Prof. G. Dering Wolff, of Norristown , Pa. , a ripe scholar and an 
accomplished gentleman, opened a select Academy, which was 
numerously attended. 

Toward the close of 1860, was begun a movement more important 
in its consequences. The Bev. J. S. Herrmann now applied for a 
teacher to the Bev. Dr. Gerhart, President of Franklin and Mar- 
shall College, Lancaster, Pa., who recommended Prof. H. B. Nicks, 
A. M., one of the graduates of that Institution. On the 15th of Nov. 
I860, this gentleman came to Kutztown, and opened "Fairview 
Seminary" in the house now occupied as a residence by Col. Thos. 
D. Fister. His assistant teachers were Jno. Humbert, Esq., and 
Harry Weand. In the spring of 1863, Mr. Nicks moved his school 
into the borough. Through the influence of the Professor, who is a 
man of fine scholarly attainments, some of the citizens of Kutztown 
and Maxatawny were induced to purchase Ave acres, of land at 
$275.00 per acre, and to erect on it a building at a cost of $4,100.00. 
This building (50 feet by 40) became in time, as we shall see, the 
northern wing of the present Keystone State Normal School. In the 
consummation of this work, Prof. Nicks was greatly assisted by the 
Rev. Dr. Gerhardt who spent several days in our town and vicinity, 
visiting our citizens and urging upon them the importance of tfhe 
undertaking. He, indeed, suggested and mapped the plan on 
vyhich the wing just referred to was erected. In consideration of 
the fact that the people of the township had manifested a very deep 
interest in the success of the project, the name of the school was 
changed from Fairview to Maxatawny Seminary. Into his new 
home Prof. Nicks moved in September 1864. His chief assistant now 
was Prof. S. Transue, A. M., a graduate of Franklin and Marshall 
College, at the present time, Superintendent of the Public Schools 
in Williamsport, Pa. During several months of the year 1865, Prof. 



RUTZTOWN AND MAXATAWNY. 47 

John Ermen trout also assisted in teaching in Maxatawny Seminary 
His chief object in doing so was to prepare the way for the carrying 
into effect a project which, as Superintendent of the Common 
Schools of Berks, he had long entertained. This project was the 
establishment of a State Normal School in this county for the edu- 
cation of teachers. 

5.-KEYSTONE STATE NORMAL SCHOOL. 

This last named gentleman served three terms, — from 1860—69 
as Superintendent of the schools of Berks county. In the discharge 
«f the duties of his office he, in no long time, came to the conclu- 
sion that what the common schools most needed was a corps of 
thoroughly competent teachers, who should be well skilled not only 
in the branches required by law to be taught, but also in the art of 
instruction and discipline. To awaken in the citizens of the county 
a feeling of self-respect, and a clear consciousness of the genius and 
spiritual excellency that lay dormant and unexercised, as well as 
to create in them a profound conviction of their duty so to educate 
themselves as to meet the demands of the age. and do the part as< 
signed to them in the history of the State ; to arouse teachers to the 
importance of understanding well what they taught and of practi- 
cing the best methods of instruction , and to ^interest the pupils in 
the studies of the school :— this was the work which the county su- 
perintendent tried to do during a period of nin/year's official duty. 
He thought that Almighty God, in the distribution of His favors, 
had endowed the counties of Eastern Pennsylvania, in many of 
which the German element is so prominent, with a fair proportion 
of talent, and with a degree of mental capacity sich as would, if 
fully cultured, place them on an intellectual level with the most 
advanced sections of the state. 

These efforts were not in vain. Every wherein Berks there arose 
a demand for better teachers, and in different sections of it. people 
were willing to embark in any enterprise that promised to improve 
their schools and elevate the standard of education. A Normal 
School became thus a necessity— a want of the times. In order to 
meet it, there was gathered by him, during the summer of 1865, a 
large number of teachers, for the purpose of Normal instruction. 
They were convened in Maxatawny Seminary, of which mention 
has just been made. We may say, that, from the erection of 
Franklin Academy in 1836, whose first teacher was Ex-United States 
Senator Alexander Ramsey, to the erection of Maxatawny Seminary 
in 186-1, whose first teacher was Prof. H. R. Nicks, the hard soil was 
being ploughed up and broken, and the land prepared for him who 
sowed the seed of the Normal in this particular section. If our rea- 
ders wish to form a correct idea of the real origin of the Keystone 
Normal School, they must always bear in mind that, before its erec- 



48 EDUCATIONAL HISTORY OF 

tion, there existed in Kutztown and Maxatawny, at different pe- 
riods, mere Academies or Seminaries, which were either under the 
control of a limited number of stockholders, or held us the educa- 
tional property of individuals. Thus Franklin Academy was in the 
hands of an "Association ;" Fairview Seminary, in the hands of 
Prof. Nicks ; and Maxatawny Seminary, in the hands both of 
stockholders and Prof. Nicks. The Keystone Normal, as a State 
Institution, in its character and peculiar design is quite distinct 
from a mere Academy. How and by whom it came to be located in 
Maxatawny, and just outside oi the line that separates the township 
from Kutztown, will, we hope, plainly appear in this narrative. 

As he was journeying from Lyous to Kutztown, in the discharge 
of official duty, the Superintendent of the county saw in the dis 
tauce the building known as Maxatawny Semiaary. It now occur- 
red to him that, if the people of this section had taken sufficient in- 
terest in the cause of education to erect that building, they might be 
induced to assist him in carrying out his project of establishing a 
regular State Normal School for the third Normal District. |On con* 
sultation with Prof. Nicks, he found that this gentleman favored 
the project. Now took place in 1865, that gathering in of the teach- 
ers of Berks, above referred to, in Maxatawny Seminary, for the 
purpose of Normal instruction. This was found too small to accom. 
modate the students who flocked thither from every part of the 
county, and from adjacent districts. The success of this movement 
inspired in the people of Kutztown and Maxatawny a determina- 
tion to erect such buildings as the school law requires, and to estab- 
lish a regular Normal School for the Third Normal District of Penn- 
sylvania To the generous and enterprising citizens of this section 
of the county belongs the honor of having provided the "Material 
means," which were? needed to purchase grounds and put up the 
necessary buildings. 

Maxatawny Seminary which was started as a private enterprise 
now disappeared. For the furniture with which Prof. Nicks had 
provided it, and for any necessary improvements he had made, he 
was compensated. Its stock, building and grounds were transferred 
to a new Board of Trustees, who now purchased live additional acres 
of land, and began to procure subscription with which to erert 
what is now known as the Keystone State Normal School. Within 
a year's time to the building formerly known as Maxatawny semi- 
nary, were added a centre building, 100 feet by 40 ft. and two wings 
each 50 ft. by 40 ft. 

We prefer now to present to our readers a few extracts from the 
"History of the Keystone StatelNormal," prepared for the"Centenn- 
ial Celebration," now being held in Philadelphia. It was compiled 
by Richard R. Koch, who at this time is one of theProfessors in the 



KUTZTOWN AND MAXATAWNY. 49 

Department of Mathematics, in this Institution, and one of its 
earliest graduates. He writes : 

"The individual who first conceived, suggested, and urged the 
erection of a Normal Sehool at Kutztown, was Prof. John S. Er- 
mentrout, then Superintendent of Common (Schools in Berks Co. 
The Hon. H. H. Schwartz, a graduate of Franklin and Marshall 
College, Lancaster, Pa., procured the architectural design. He, 
Profs. Nicks and Ermentrout, and the Rev. B. E. Kramlich, deserve 
great credit for the zeal wilh which they encouraged and helped on 
the great work to its final completion." 

"The corner-stone was laid Sept. 17, 1865, by the County Superin- 
tendent of Berks; and addresses delivered by Hon. J. Lawrence 
Getz, William Rosenthal, Esq., Hon. Daniel Ermentrout, Llew- 
ellyn Wanner, Esq., and Prof. Albert N. Raub. 

On Septtember 13th, 1866, the school was recognized by the 
State Superintendent, Hon. Chas. R. Coburn and the Committee 
of Inspection, as the State Normal School for the Thir d District, 
which embraces the counties of Berks, Schuylkill, and Lehigh. 
The Inspectors were the Hons. W. Worthington, G. Landon, S. 
Elliott, Thad. Banks, and the County Superintendents, John S. 
Ermentrout of Berks, Jesse Newlin of Schuylkill, and E. J. 
Young, of Lehigh." 

"On Sept. 15, 1866, it was formally dedicated; and addresses de- 
livered by E. W. Hutter, D. D., Rev. S. K. Brobst, Rev. Mr. 
Lampe and Jesse Newlin." 

The first Principal of the Keystone Normal was Jno. S. Ermen- 
trout, A. M., Professor of Mental and Moral Science, and of 
Theory and Practice of Teaching. From 1866-1871, he discharged 
the daties of this position. From the fact that, during the first 
year of the existence of the Normal, were enrolled three hundred 
eighteen students, our readers can infer that the hopes of the Trus- 
tees were crowned with great success. 

During the years 1872 and 1874, the gentlemarrjust named, 
^aught the Greek language in St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, at 
Overbrook, Montgomery Co., Pa. In 1874 he was recalled to the 
Keystona Normal as Professor of Mental Science and Belles Letters. 
On Monday evening, August 3, 1874, was delivered his Inaugural. 
The subject of the Address was, "HumanActs and their Value." At 
the same time also, were inaugurated Hudson A. Wood, A. M. , as 
Professor of Higher Mathematics, and U. P. Heilman, as Professor 
of History and Physical Geography. 

During the first year of his administration as Principal, were em- 
ployed the following teachers: H. R. Nicks, A. M., Associate Prin- 
cipal, and Prof, of Mathematics and Physics ; Albert N. Raub, A. 
M., of English Language and Literature, and Vocal Music; Saml^ 
Transeau, A. M., of Ancient Languages and History; Edward T. 
Burgan, M. E., Superintendent of Model School ; Rev. G. F. Spieker, 
of German Language and Literature; Lether Trexler, M. D., of 
Anatomy, Physiology, and Hygiene; Miss Julia E. Ballard, M. L. 
of Instrumental Music, French, Painting and Drawing; Mary 



50 EDUCATIONAL HISTOKY OF 

Morrison, of Reading and Geography; P. S. Urnb6nhauer, Pupil 
Assistant. 

Of these Miss Mary Morrison and P. S. Umbenhauer are deceased. 
The former was a most excellent teacher, and a lady of high moral 
character; while of the latter those who knew him will agree in 
testifying that he was endowed with a mind of uncommon strength, 
.is well as with a disposition that endeared him to all who had en- 
joyed the privilege of his acquaintance. 

The Board of Trustees elected Rev. A. R. Home, A. M., as the 
-uccessor of Jno. S. Ermentrout. The new Principal not being able 
to enter immediately upon his duties, the reins of power were placed 
into the hands of Prof. N. C. Schaeffer, A. M. From 1871-72, this 
gentleman discharged the office of Acting Principal with great 
success, and won for himself a high reputation for executive ability. 
During the administration of the first Principal he filled, from 
1868-69, the professorship of Ancient Languages and History, and, 
under Prof. Home, from 1872-73, that of Mathematics. In 1873 he 
went to Europe. Having completed a two years' course of Theology 
at the Universities in Berlin, Tuebingen and Leipzic, he returned to 
his native land. He now became Professor of Ancient Languages 
in Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, Pa. Ordained a 
German Reformed minister on Christmas of the year 1875, he also 
officiates as one of the Associate Pastors connected with the Chapel 
of that College. 

Prof. Schaeffer belongs to a family which may be taken as a fair 
representative of the German population that adorns Berks county 
The forefathers of his parents were among the earliest settlers of 
Maxatawny ; and it may be historically interesting to know that his 
i>reat-great-grand-father, on the side of his mother, who is a daughter 
of Solomon Christ, was murdered by the Indians. It is also worthy 
of mention that his brother William, after having graduated at 
Lancaster, in 1874, took charge of a German Reformed congregation 
in Waynesboro, Franklin county, Pa. On the 22d of June, 1876, he 
was elected to the Professorship of Ancient Languages in the Key- 
stone Normal, and will enter upon his duties the coming month of 
August. Another brother, Nicholas, is now on the eve of graduating 
a t Lancaster, and intends studying law. 

In March, 1872, Professor Home appeared at the Keystone Normal 
and assumed the purple. 

Immediately after his graduation in Pennsylvania College, Gettys- 
burg, this gentleman established a Normal School in Quakertown, 
Bucks county, Pa. Ordained as a Lutheran clergyman, he also 
preached in this place, in 1864 he took charge of a congregation in 
Williamsport, Pa., and served as Superintendent of its Public 
Schools. Tints it was that Prof. Home went through a preparatory 
training for the great work he was called upon to shoulder in the 



KUTZTOWN AND MAXATAWNY. 51 

Keystone Normal. He is in full sympathy with the German 
element, and understands the wants and wishes of our people. As • 
a preacher he is distinguished for impressive oratory, and as a 
Principal, not only for his fitness for the position, but also for the 
intense zeal and industry with which he labors to advance the 
interests of the School. Nor is his pen idle. As already stated, 
during the last ten years he has issued an educational paper ; and, 
for the use of the students, lately published a Compend of Botany, 
and a German Manual, both of which met with a ready sale. Under 
his administration the Keystone has been eminently successful. 

The present Board of Instruction is as follows : 

Rev. A. R. Home, A. M., Principal, and Professor of Theory and 
Practice of Teaching, and German; Hudson A. Wood, A. M., 
Professor of Higher Mathematics ; J. S. Ermentrout, A. M., Professor 
of Mental Science and Belles Lettres; Jairus G. Neff, M. S., Profes- 
sor of English Language and Literature; G. Dickie Gurley, A. B., 
Professor of Ancient and Modern Languages ; F. K. Berndt, M. S. , 
Superintendent of Model School ; Richard H. Koch, M. E., Professor 
of Mathematics and Constitution of the United States ; J. J. Hot- 
tenstein, B. E., Professor of Book-keeping and Penmanship; Miss 
Rosabelle Myers, Teacher of Mental Arithmetic and Geography • 
Miss Harriet B. Swineford, Teacher of Reading, Grammar and 
Physiology ; George C. Young, Professor of Instrumental and Vocal 
Music ; Miss Julia R. Long, Teacher of Drawing, Sketching, and 
French. 

In the early part of this school year, 1875-76, Rev. H. A. Curran, 
A. M., taught the Languages. Having accepted a position in the 
Normal School at West Chester, Pa., he was succeeded by G. Dickie 
Gurley, A. B., a graduate of Franklin and Marshall College. Prof. 
Gurley delivered his Inaugural on January 3, 1876. On this occasion 
Mr. F. K. Flood, M. E., of Maxatawny, responded on behalf of the 
students, and Prof. Home, of the Faculty. Mr. Gurley discharged 
tbe duties of his office with great ability, and retired in order to 
enter upon the ministry as a German Reformed preacher. 

One of the most interesting events in the history of the Normal is 
its Annual Commencement. A brief account of that held June 22, 
1876, will give our future friends of 1976 an idea of their general 
nature. It began with a Baccalaureate Sermon by the Principal, on 
the preceding Sunday evening, from the text in Luke xvi, 19-21. 
On Tuesday evening was delivered an address by Rev. Dr. E. V. 
Gerhart, of the Theological Seminary at Lancaster. On Wednesday 
took place the "Model School Reunion and Ahimni." Before this 
association were pronounced an oration, " The Teacher's Ideal," by 
Rev. D. A. Medlar, M. E., of Cressona, Pa., an Essay, "Theory 
versus Practice," by Miss Sallie E. Rhoads, M. E., of Lock Haven, 
Pa., an Alumni Essay, "Development of Character in Children," 



12 EDUCATIONAL HISTORY OF 

by Miss Clara J. Mohr, B. E., of Kutztown, and the Alumni Oration, 
"History and Prospects of our Republic," by Prof. L. F. Sprenger, 
M. E., A. M. On Thursday took place the graduation of the 
Centennial Class. It numbered twenty-four ; twenty-three of them 
eceived Elementary Diplomas, and one the Scientific Diploma. 
Three State Teacher's Diplomas were conferred, and fifteen were 
crowned with the Master Degree. The Ringgold Band, of Reading, 
which the New York Herald pronounces to be the third best band 
in the United States, furnished the music. 

The Literary Societies connected with the Normal assist greatly in 
the progress and culture of the students. In the fall of 1865 there 
existed one Society only — the Philomathean. In Septempber of the 
same year from this went forth the Messrs. S. A. Baer, J. W. Bross- 
man, P. A. Umbenhauer, E. C. Haberacker, M. J. Kramlich, Major 
W. S. Guinther, James Conrad, an<f founded the Kalliothymian, 
which, in April, 1867, became the Keystone Society. The first 
President of the Philomathean was Chas. Hinterleiter; the first 
Secretary, S. A. Baer, and Treasurer, W. Wiand. Among its earliest 
members were Prof. N. A. Schaeffer, F. P. Bender, G. Heffner, B. 
Weiss. Its present officers are : H. F. Reiter, President; Miss Lizzie 
Miller, Censor ; Miss Virgie C. Praetorius, Recording Secretaiy ; 
and of the Keystone : C. E. Hindenach, President; H. J. Reinhardt 
Censor ; Ella Miller, Recording Secretary. 

The first President of the Kalliotbymian was S. A. Baer. This 
gantleman now fills the very honorable position of Superintendent 
of Common Schools of Berks county. About two and a half miles 
west of Kutztown, in Greenwich townships was he born. His great 
great-grandtather, Johannes Baer, an immigrant from the {Palati- 
nate, settled in Weissenburg, Lehigh Co., Pa., in 1728, and his grand 
father John Adam Bear, moved to Maxatawny in 1812. Having 
begun his studies in Maxatawny Seminary, he continued them in 
the Keyetone Normal School, and completed them by graduating in 
1869 in Franklin and Marshall College. The greater part of his life 
has been devoted to teaching. He obtained his first certificate as a 
teacher from Supt. Juo. S. Ermentrout, and tanghta common school 
in.Maxatawny. Subsequently for two years, he filled in the Key- 
stone Normal School the Professorship of Ancient Languages and 
History. Moving to Lehighton he took charge of its Hign school ; 
and, at a later date, he presided over that in Ashland, Pa. Return- 
ing to Berks he became Principal of the Oley Academy, in Friedent- 
burg. On June 7, 1875, after having been elected to the Superintend 
dency of Public Schools, he received his commission from the 
Department at Harrisburg. Mr. Baer is fully qualified for tho posi - 
tion he now holds, and will, we hope always prove true to the 
German element of the county he represents. 

That the Normal school has been a most efficient agent in eliciting 



KUTZTOWN AND MAXATAWNY. 53 

the talents of this section of the county, is beyond dispute. In proof 
of this we give the names of residents who, since its organization, 
have graduated within its halls. In 1368 received Diplomas J. H. 
Marx, L. F. Sprenger, George H. Heffner ; in'69, H. R. Carl, A. M- 
Kleiu, J. C. Neff, Jacob G. Neff; in '70, E. D. Bieber, A. G.Dewalt, 
Alesa M. Helfrich, Z. 0. Hoch, J. H. VanScheetz; in '71, T. C. 
Mertz, Louisa M. Mohr, D F. Smith ; in '73, E. H. Schwoyer ; in 
'74, C. F. Dry, I. W. Gauker, W. J. Bieber; in '75. Ellen Christ 
(lied before g-iaduating), W. O. Miller, Clara J. Mohr, F. K. Flood, 
J. J Hottenstein, W. H. Traub ; in '76, Hannah Grim, Ida Hotten- 
stein, Beccie Leibensperger, F. Y. Weidenhammer 

Of 110 Normal Graduates, 31 belong to this section of the conuty 

Of the following persons graduated in Colleges; in Franklin and 
Marshall, the Hons. Joel B. Wanner, Amos B. Wanner, and H. H. 
Schwartz; also Daniel E. Schoedler, in 1863, Lew. Wanner, in '64 : 
P D. Wanner, in '65, I. W. Bieber and N- C. Schaeffer, in '67 ; O. 
C. Herman and S. A. Baer, in '69 ; W. C Schaeffer and I. DeLong ; 
in '71 ; D. N. Schaeffer and Ambrose Herrmann, in '73 ; — in Lafay 
ette College, L. F. Springer and J. P. Schaeffer, in '73 ; A. G. De- 
walt, in '74; Z. C. Hoch, in '75 ;— in Muhlenberg, W. J. Bieber, in 
'76, M. Y. HenningeraQd W. Andres. 

As Graduates in Medical Colleges, from this section, we name 
David Hotienstein, Levi Thompson, Charles Schlemm, C. H. Wan- 
ner, J. S. Trexler, W. S. Bieber, Edward Hottenstein, W. Reichard, 
Thos. Strasser, L. Bieber, A. C. Hottenstein, C. Wanner, E. H; 
Bieber, W. Reber, T T. Thompson. 

As Graduates in Female Colleges; the Misses A. M. Helfrich, 
Annie Herman, Aggie Herman. 

6.— SOME INTERESTING PACTS. 

1. — Account of monies received for the first building of the Maxa- 
lawny Seminary Association. 

Jacob Sunday and G. Bieber, each $500; C. A. Gerasch, D. H. 
Hottenstein, Lizz>e E. Bieber, E. Butz, Susannah Hottenstein, 
Solomon Christ, each $300/ D. H. Hottenstein, Jon. S. Bieber 
Isaac Roeller, B. E. Kramlich, C. A. Gerasch. A. R- Nicks, E. Butz, 
Susannah Hottenstein, Win. Hottenstein, G. Dietrich, Sol. Christ 
David Schaeffer, J. D. Wanner, Jno. Kieffer, John Rahn, each $200 ; 
H. R. Nicks, $150; Ulrich Miller, David Fister, G. Bieber, George 
Kutz, D. H. Hottenstein, each $100; H. R. Nicks, $50. Total, 
$6500.00. 

2.— Amount of money received for stock ^subscribed tor the Key- 
stone Normal School : — 

Lewis K. Hottenstein, and Susannah Hottenstein, each $1200 i 
G. Bieber, D. H. Hottenstein, Dr. E. Hottenstein, each $1000. Jo- 
nas Miller, Jon. Bieber, Sr., Jacob Sunday, Dr. C. A. Gerasch, Dav. 
S. Levan, Horrace Trexler, each $500 ; David Fister, $400 ; David 



54 EDUCATIONAL HISTORY OF 

Schaeff'er, S. Bernhardt, A. Stein, D. Melot, D. Kemp, E. Butz, 
Jonathan S. Bieber, each $300 ; Dan. Dietrich, Dan. Christ, Dr. L„ 
Thompson, Joel Hoeh, W. W, Kemp r W. DeTurk, C. F. Kutz, 
Jas. Weiler, Jacob Grim, A. C. Kieffer, Hon. J. G. Jones, David 
Levan, each $200; Henry Williams, Jon. Bieber, H. Stein, Hon. 
Jno. H. Fogel, S. H. Lease. Dan. Clader, Hon. H. H. Schwartz,. 
Jno. S. Ermentrout, D. Sharadin, John Rahn, Jr., Mva. M. J. Rahn, 
D. L, Gable, E. DeTurk, Jno. Herbine, Jac. F. Kutz, David Kemp 
Jonas Hoeh, Ulrich Miller, Jos. Stichter, Fred Lauer, Dr. D. Lu- 
ther, D. L. Wenrich, H. Bushong, Isaac Eckert, Dr L. Trexler, 
Jcuas Bitter, J. Nicb. Hunter, Jas. Bushong, W. B. Bensinger, J. 
Moyer, W. B. Fogel, M. Arnold, S. W. Arnold, A. N. Raub r J. C. 
-Wanner, John Ebner, Isaac McHose,. Ed. Clymer, Rich, Dunkel, 
0. Lesber, Nathan Levan, Jon. B. Grim, each $100.— Total, $18,300, 

These'statements are taken from the Treasurer's Book, and repre- 
resent the original stockholders. 

3.— First Board of Trustees, — L. K. HotteDstein, Pres., David H. 
Hottenstein, Sec, Lesh. Tresler, M. D., President oi' the Board of 
Stockholders, Jonas Hoeh, Secretary of Board of Stocknolders. 
Chas. Gerasch, M. D. Treasurer; H. Bushong, E. Butz, D. Die- 
trich, John S. Ermentrout, D. Fister, Hon. Jno. H. Fogel, Edward 
Hottenstein, M. D., Hon. J. Glancy Jones, Rev. B. E. Kramlicb, 
D. Luther, M. D., J. Miller, H. R. Nicks, Hon. H. H. Schwartz, D. 
■Sebaeffer, A. Stein, J D. Wanner, Esq. 

3. — Present Board of Trustees : Hon. H. H. Schwartz, President ; 
A. J. Fogel, Secretary ; D. H. Hottenstein, President of Stockholders ; 
Jonas Hoeh, Secretary of Stockholders; John S. Dunkle, Treasurer; 
D. Schaeffer, G. Bieber, C. A. Gerasch, M. D., Rev. B. E Kramlich, 
. Daniel Q. Hottenstein, Daniel Dietrich, Fred. Lauer, Ulrich Miller. 
Representing the State : Col. T. D. Fister, G. J. Kutz, Rev. S. K 
Brobst, J. L. Nutting, John G. Wink, Jon. S. Bieber. 

It is worthy of note that some of these gentlemen have for many 
years been members of the Board ; as, for instance, Daniel Dietrich 
and Adam Stein, who are prominent citizens of Greenwich township. 
Both of them are large land-holders, and furnish the community 
with the purest rye, for medicinal and other purposes. Mr. Dietrich 
also does an extensive business as a miller. Jonathan S. Bieber, of 
Maxatawny, lives on a splendid farm, and always finds time to woo 
f he Muses of the Keystone. 

4.— Number of Students :— In 1866-67, 318 ; 1867-68, 536 ; 1868-69, 539 ; 
1869-70, 562; 1870-71, 330; 1871-72, 338; 1872-73, 484; 1873-74, 662; 
1874-75,516; 1875-76,469. Total, 4,774. 

5. -Number of Graduates : — In Scientific Course, in 1871, 4, in 1874, 

, in 1876, 1 ; in Elementary, in 1868, 6, in 1869, 11, in 1870, 13, in 1871 , 

<;. in 1872, 3, in 1873, 4, in 1874, 18, in 1875, 20, in 1876, 23. Total, IK). 

6. — Treasurers :— Dr. C. A. Gerasch, from 1865 to 1870; Dr. Edward 



KUTZTOWN AND MAXATAWNY. 66 

Hottenstein, from 1870 to 1871; Jon. Biehl, from 1871 to 1872; Dr. J . 
8. Trexler, from 1872 to 1873. Our present efficient and worthy 
Treasurer is John S. Dunkle, who took charge of the books in 1873. 
7. — Stewards, at different periods: — Augustus Hottenstein, Jon. 
Biehl, Isaac Wentzell, Nathan Levan. This last named gentleman 
is still in office ; a veteran in the service ; primus inter pares. 
8. — Libraries : — Nearly 2,000 volumes. 
9. — Philosophical Apparatus: — Its original cost, $1,000.00. 
10. — Contractors of the Keystone Building: — Messrs. Garst and 
Mast, of Reading, Pa. 

11. — Additional Building: — That to the north of the southern 
wing, put up in 1872 for the accommodation of students. 
12. — Whole cost of buildings and grounds estimated at $85,000.00. 
13. — Among the earliest and mOst distinguished Professors of the 
Keystone were Eli G. Schwartz, Esq., who graduated in Franklin 
and Marshall College, and now ranks among the first lawyers at the 
Allen town bar; H. W. Super, D D., who completed his literary and 
theological studies in the Reformed institutions at Mercersburg, Pa , 
and is now the Vice President of Ursinus College, Collegeville, Pa.; 
Samuel Transeau, A. M., who is now Superintendent of Common 
Schools in Williamsport, Pa.; and A. N. Raub, A. M., who now 
presides over the Public Schools of Lock Haven, Pa. 

14. — The first Superintendent of the Keystone Model School was 
Allen Hottenstein, Esq., who is now practicing law successfully in 
Scranton, Pa. Of the other Superintendents we name James H. 
Marx, Esq., and F. K. Berndt. Both gentlemen are graduates of 
the Normal, and taught in it with marked success. The former was 
quite recently clothed with the honors of an Esquire, and will soon 
be admitted to the bar; the latter continues to preside over the 
Model Department. 

15. — We must not forget to mention the Rev. Daniel Schcedler, A. 
M., who is now Principal of the Oley Academy, Berks county, Pa. 
Kutztown is his native place. His abiding interest in the educa- 
tional progress of Eastern Pa. has made his name a familiar one to 
every instructor of youth. 

16.— Among the successful preachers of Maxatawny we mention 
the Rev. D. K. Humbert, who preaches at De Long's, Hill's, 
Lobach's, and other Churchei. 



"V. OOIsTOLVSIOlsr. 



Early in the year 1876 were sounding over the whole country 
proclamations from President Grant and John F. Hartranft, Governor 
of Pennsylvania, inviting and urging the people to gird up their 
loins for a worthy celebration of the Great Centennial of American 
Independence. Among other recommendations, they suggested that 
in every section of the land special pains be taken to gather in one 
the scattered facts of its past history, put them in print, and transmit 
them to the people of 1976. 

Scarce had this call fallen upon our ears when, in Kutztown and 
its vicinity, was heard the piercing fife and the rolling drum. In 
obedience to an invitation from Mr. S. S. Schmehl, our efficient 
Chief Burgess, on May, 13, 1876, at 7 o'clock of the evening, in order 
to make preparations for doing proper homage to the coming Fourth 
of July, assembled our citizens in the main square of the borough. 
From the balcony attached to the hotel of our veneiable friend, Mr. 
Chas. Kutz, who, though sixty-four years old, now renewed his 
youth, eloquent addresses were delivered by S. S. Schmehl. the Hon- 
H. H. Schwartz, anel Messrs. John G. Wink, Conrad Gehring and 
Col. Thos. D. Fister. 

A Centennial Assoc iatuu was (cwrtd 1 1: t lollcwiBg officers 
were elected at the meeting: Presielent, S. S. Schmehl, Chief Bur. 
gess ; Vice President, Conrad Gehring ; Secretaries, Prof. J. H. Marx. 
Dr. L. C. Berkemeyer; Treasurer, Col. Thos. D. Fister. 

The president appointed the following Executive Committee : John 
G. Wink, Charles Midler, Peter Krause, A. J. Fogel, Eldridge Zim- 
merman, John S. Dunkle, Prof. S. A. Baer, Wm. C. Dietrich, D. F. 
Wagner, Walter B. Bieber, D. Q. Hottenstein, Prof. A. R. Home, 
Rev. B. E. Kramlich. 

We must not forget to add that the success of our Centennial Cele- 
bration i-^ due, in a great degree, to the energetic labors of our Chief 
Burgees, and to the wise, practical judgment of Dr. L. C. Berke- 
meyer. 

One of the most important features of the celebration will be th e 
election of a monument on the grounds) of the Keystone State Nor- 
mal Si -iinol. The base is a granite stone, weighing two tons and a 
half. On this rests an octapnn die whicii supports an octagon spira. 
both of Marian marble. On the spire is an octagon cap, surmounted 



KUTZTOWN AND MAX AT AWN Y. 5$ 

with an eagle. The whole work reflects great credit ou the sculptor, 
Mr. Philip Wentz. who lives in the borough. It coats $250.00, Of 
this Mr. Wentz himself subscribed $75.; the remain iug sum was 
collected jn town and Normal by Mrs. Dr. Chas. H. Wanner, and the 
Misses Alesa Helfrich and Harriet B. Swineford. On the four 
larger sides of the die are inscribed the following mottos, which were 
selected by a Committee consisting of Rev. Prof. Home, Prof. Jnq. 
S. Ermentrout and Supt. S. B. Baer : — 

On the north side,— "Uuser Frei Schul Wesakumt fuu da Peun 
silfowuish Deitsha bar. DerGovaner Wolf hat's geplant un g'start 
un der Ritner uu der Shunk hen's ausg'fuehrt" ; oh the south ,"Neo 
scire fas est omnia ;" on the east, "W:e Gott mit unsern Vaetern 
war, sosei er aueh mit uns;" on the West, "Virtue. Liberty and 
Independence." The following articles will be deposited in that 
part of the monument on which rests the spire: — The history of 
Kutztown and Maxatawny, the latest newspapers of the county- 
ancient coins, almanacs and coins of 1876, a catalogue of the Normal 
for 1876, the names of contributors to the monument, and the late 
Census of Kutztown, continental scrip, and a silver quarter dated 
1776, donated by A. J. Fogel. It is intended, that Prof. Jno. S. 
Ermentrout shall deposit these articles, and deliver an appropriate 
address; that the chairman of the Monumental Committee, Supt. 
8. A. Baer, who shall 'present the monument to the Chief Bcrgess, 
of the borough, and the Chief Burgess to the Trustees of the Key> 
stone Normal School, who shall be represented in a speech by their 
President, the Hon. H. H. Schwartz. 

To-morrow will be a great day for Kutztown and vicinity. Before 
sunrise cannons will send their thunders over mountain, hill and 
dale. By Prof. Home, early in the morning, will be preached a 
sermon in the K eystone Normal Chapel. In a grand parade will 
appear all the civic and military organizations of the borough and 
adjacent country. Thirteen young ladies will represent the 
Original States, and thirty-eight, with flags, the States of our Union, 
all of them dressed in white. Military companies, bands, Sunday 
Schools, Town Council, lodges, surviving soldiers of the war of 1812. 
of the Mexican, and our late Civil War, together with visitors from 
every section of the county, will swell the procession. Mr. Albert 
A. Adam, dressed in Continental costume, will personate General 
Washington, and Mrs. H. M. Cloud, Martha Washington. Under 
the direction of Dr. J. S. Trexler as Chief Marshall, the parade will 
wind its way through the streets of the borough, and terminate in 
Kemp's woods. Here will take place the following exercises :— The 
oration of the_day, by the Hon. Judge A. S. Sassaman ; a Pennsyl 
vania German Poem, by Prof. M. C. Henninger, of Allen town, and 
the reading of this Historical Sketch by Prof. John S. Ermentrout. 




-58 



EDUCATIONAL HISTOBY. 



014 365 163 



With this general description of the festivities that will enliven 
the Centennial Fourth of July, we close our narrative. The work 
imposed on us by the "Centennial Association," is now completed. 
This sketch oiuht to have been drawn by an abler pen ; but, though 
unworthy of its subject, we hope that, when the men and women of 
1976, who shall inhabit Kutztown and Maxatawny. shall read its 
pages, they may rind in them some sources of profit and delight. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 





014 365 163 



" 



